Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch had a troubling moment at the end of his team’s 30-17 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on “Sunday Night Football.” Following the game, the third-year safety out of Alabama refused to shake Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and smacked the helmet of wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, leading to a brawl between the two teams.
More News: NFL Reveals Punishment for Lions S Brian Branch
Branch explained to the media after the contest that he was unhappy with Smith-Schuster for using an illegal blocking technique on him late in the fourth quarter. He acknowledged that his actions were childish and apologized for the behavior.
More News: Lions’ Brian Branch Reveals Why He Punched Chiefs WR Juju Smith-Schuster
In response, the league suspended Branch for one game, expected to be the Lions week 7 contest against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on “Monday Night Football.” Branch appealed the decision on Monday.
Colton Pouncy of The Athletic had harsh words for Branch in his column on Tuesday, questioning the safety’s reputation in the league.
“As for the extracurriculars, it’s hard to know what was said during a three-hour game,” Pouncy wrote. “However, quite frankly, none of it is relevant to the macro-level discussion regarding Branch and the reputation he’s gaining in this league.
“Being a good teammate is a prerequisite to playing for Dan Campbell. The Lions do their homework as well as any team in the league as it pertains to character evaluations and fit. Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes want to know what makes a guy tick, how he’ll respond in difficult situations and if he’s reliable enough to count on in those moments.”
Pouncy believes Branch’s actions on Sunday night are a part of a “pattern” emerging with the 2023 second-round pick. He referenced a play in Week 1 where Branch took off Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft’s helmet and threw it, prompting officials to penalize the Lions 15 yards for an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.
The Packers would score a touchdown later on the drive.
Branch was ejected in a game against Green Bay in 2024 for a helmet-to-helmet hit on running back Bo Melton. Detroit was penalized another 15 yards when Branch flipped off the Packers home crowd and sideline during his trip to the locker room.
Branch’s short fuse can be a liability for the Lions moving forward. Opposing teams will try to get into his head to gain an advantage from the flustered safety.
Branch is an incredibly gifted athlete, earning a Pro Bowl nomination in 2024. But his temper is costing him a chance to become an elite player in the league.
For more on the Lions and the NFL, head to Newsweek Sports.
