Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch was ejected from a heated NFC North matchup with Green Bay Packers for a helmet-to-helmet hit to receiver Bo Melton. Detroit didn’t have much breathing room heading into the second quarter, leading 7-3. Packers QB Jordan Love tried taking a shot down the field to Bo Melton, and Melton missed the catch, Branch dove in and went for the crown of the helmet of Melton. Brian Branch received unnecessary roughness flags from the referees and then the play was reviewed resulting in an ejection of the Detroit Saftey.
Melton takes a hard hit to the helmet here. Branch gets ejected for this hit #DETvsGB pic.twitter.com/avpuuL7MYY
— Rate the Refs App (@Rate_the_Refs) November 3, 2024
Brian Branch’s ejection wasn’t unnoticed and Branch showed his annoyance when he flipped double birds to the Lambeau Field crowd as he left the field. The gesture brought about another unsportsmanlike conduct penalty and more yardage for the Packers. Fortunately, Detroit didn’t allow Green Bay to capitalize on the penalties as their drive ended on a missed field, allowing Detroit to carry a 17-3 halftime lead.
Also Read: “Always Been Dirty;” Fans Bash Detroit Lions for Trying to Injure Green Bay Packers Quarterback Jordan Love (Video)
Brian Branch throwing up the double birds after his ejection. 😂
Legend! pic.twitter.com/l8CGkPz8eN
— LionsFanReport (@lionsfanreport) November 3, 2024
Tom Brady Critical of Ejection Against Brian Branch
Former NFL quarterback Tom Brady asked about the call on the broadcast, noting he ‘didn’t love that call.’ While pleased with Brian Branch’s aggressive play, Lions coach Dan Campbell conceded there had to be better discipline in diving tackles, particularly in high-stakes games under the scrutiny of New York officials.
Brian Branch’s ejection comes as the Lions enter a critical time of the season fighting to hold onto their NFC North lead. He’s become a standout player by virtue of his intensity and fierce play, but incidents such as this show how thin that tightrope is for defensive players between impressive plays and costly penalties.
The Lions should take this as a lesson and learn to channel their energy in a positive way. Even though the Packers didn’t capitalize on the penalties Detroit might not be so lucky next time. They should think about reigning in Branch so he’s not sidelined again, in what might be an even more crucial time.
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