Another Lions Star Facing NFL Punishment for Chiefs Game
Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch will likely face significant discipline from the NFL for striking Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster and sparking a postgame brawl on Sunday — but he may not be the only Lions star facing punishment.
Branch’s postgame strike sparked controversy and is expected to draw both a fine and suspension. Lions head coach Dan Campbell apologized after the game and even Branch said he crossed the line.
But before Branch’s controversial attack, Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson also laid a hit that could cost him when the league announces fines next week.
Aidan Hutchinson’s Costly Late Hit
The Lions struggled to contain the Chiefs offense all game and also didn’t help themselves with some costly penalties. One of those came on a fourth-quarter passing play when Hutchinson came in late and knocked Mahomes to the ground long after the pass had been released.
The Lions were flagged for the late hit and the Chiefs extended their drive, eventually scoring a touchdown on a Mahomes pass to Marquise Brown to push their lead to 27-17.
Mahomes said after the game that he expected a physical game and wasn’t surprised to take some hard hits.
“You’re playing football. I mean, you’re being chippy,” Mahomes told reporters. “That’s a physical football team, and they have a mentality that they come in to play with, and we’re going to match that mentality. We’re not afraid to go up against anybody, and that’s the mentality coach (Andy) Reid brings every single day.”
The play will likely lead to punishment for Hutchinson, as the league fines players for late hits.
Brian Branch Facing Bigger Punishment
While Hutchinson will likely face a fine of $11,593 as a first-time offender, Branch could face a much more serious punishment. The safety has been known for his aggressive play and garnered many fines from the NFL in the past, including several this season.
Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio noted that this will be the fourth fine this season for Branch, who was also punished for taunting and a facemask against the Green Bay Packers and a low block against the Baltimore Ravens. Branch was also hit with seven fines during the 2024 season.
Branch didn’t get any cover from his coach, who said after the game that the incident was “inexcusable.”
“Let me start with this,” Campbell said, via NFL.com. “I love Brian Branch, but what he did is inexcusable and it’s not going to be accepted here. It’s not what we do, it’s not what we’re about. I apologized to coach [Andy] Reid and the Chiefs and Schuster. That’s not OK. That’s not what we do here, and it’s not gonna be OK. He knows it, our team knows it. That’s not what we do.”
Branch also apologized, calling his actions “childish.”
“I did a real childish thing,” Branch said, via The Athletic’s Colton Pouncy. “I’m tired of people doing stuff in between plays and refs don’t catch it. They be trying to bully me out there. I shouldn’t have did it, it was childish.”
John Harbaugh Fires Up Ravens with Bold Playoff Promise: 'We’re Just Getting Started'
Despite a rocky 1-5 start to the season, Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh remains confident in his team’s ability to rebound and make a playoff push. Following a tough loss and mounting pressure, Harbaugh delivered a powerful message to the media and his players: the Ravens are far from done.
“We’re not defined by our record, we’re defined by how we respond. We’ve had setbacks, but every great team faces adversity. We’re not backing down. We’ve got 11 games left to prove who we are. Playoffs? Absolutely. We’re just getting started,” Harbaugh declared.
With a string of disappointing results, including injuries to key players and struggles on both sides of the ball, Harbaugh’s belief that the Ravens can still turn their season around is a rallying cry for the entire team. His message underscores his leadership philosophy: it’s not about how you start, but how you finish.
The Ravens have a tough road ahead, but Harbaugh’s optimism isn’t misplaced. He understands that teams face adversity every season, and it’s how they respond to it that truly defines their character. With 11 games remaining in the regular season, Harbaugh is focused on getting the team back on track, both mentally and physically.
“It’s easy to let one bad season define you, but not this team. Not now,” Harbaugh continued. “We’re a talented team, and we’re capable of great things. I have no doubt that we will rise to the challenge and prove what we’re made of.”
This sentiment has resonated with Ravens players, many of whom are focused on the long-term goal despite the setbacks. Quarterback Lamar Jackson, who has faced challenges of his own this season, echoed Harbaugh’s words, expressing his belief in the team’s resilience.
The Ravens have been battling with inconsistency this year, but the coaching staff is determined to find a winning formula. As the team heads into their bye week, they’ll have time to reassess, adjust, and prepare for the next stretch of games. With key players recovering from injuries, including Jackson, the Ravens are confident that a second-half turnaround is possible.
Harbaugh’s leadership is shining through in these challenging times, and the Ravens’ resolve to get back into playoff contention is stronger than ever. While they may be off to a slow start, the confidence and unity within the team remain unwavering.
As the Ravens look to turn the page, Harbaugh’s bold words are a reminder that their season is far from over. With 11 games to go, anything is possible, and the Ravens are ready to fight for every win.
