'Brian Branch Stood on Business': Cam Newton Backs Lions Safety Amid One-Game Suspension
Following his post-game scuffle with Kansas City Chiefs WR JuJu Smith-Schuster, Brian Branch was dealt a one-game suspension. The Detroit Lions Safety subsequently appealed the NFL’s ruling, citing a missed block in the back penalty, as well as a variety of extracurricular activities from Schuster, as the primary causes for the altercation.
Nevertheless, the league decided to uphold its ruling, and as a result, Branch will no longer be available for the Lions Monday night match up with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. According to Cam Newton, however, Branch ultimately did the right thing, and his actions may dissuade the Chiefs receiver from pulling such stunts in the future.
“There’s some real individuals that really want to see about ya,” Newton remarked. “Brian Branch stood on business just like Trent Williams stood on business.”
Between the harshness of Schuster’s foul and the fact that it was not recognized by the officials, Branch felt the need to take matters into his own hands. While that kind of behavior is typically frowned upon, especially in today’s NFL, Branch ultimately suggested that he felt the need to stand up for himself after everyone around him had failed to do so.
“I got blocked in the back illegally,” Branch explained in the locker room following the skirmish. “They were trying to bully me out there. It was in front of the ref and the ref didn’t do anything. I could’ve gotten hurt off of that, but I still shouldn’t have done that
Newton also speculates that there was likely more than just the flagrant push in the back that sent Branch over the edge. “Knowing what I know, it was something that was said
Regardless as to who is in the right and who is in the wrong, the fact of the matter is that the Lions will now be short an extra man heading into Week 7. Suffice to say, that could prove to be a bit of a problem against a Buccaneers team that, while injured, is still scoring at the sixth highest rate of any team in the league.
Detroit’s defense isn’t inherently stingy either, so they’ll need someone to step up in light of Branch’s absence. However, seeing as he’s already recorded 23 solo tackles, a sack, one fumble recovery, and five pass defenses, throughout the first six weeks, it’s not very likely that the Lions will be able to find someone who can match Branch’s level of production.
Thankfully, their offense is good enough to out duel anybody, and that includes the MVP dark horse in Baker Mayfield.
Lions Get Good News on Pivotal Defensive Lineman Before Chiefs Game
The Detroit Lions could finally see a key member of the defense back on the field, months after he suffered a major knee injury.
Defensive lineman Alim McNeill has been growing ever-closer to a return from the torn ACL that cut short his 2024 season, addressing what one analyst believes is a growing concern for the 4-1 Lions.
Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon noted that the string of early injuries has been the “biggest concern” for the Lions this season, including the absence of McNeill.
“The Lions are still without key defenders Alim McNeill (knee), Terrion Arnold (shoulder) and D.J. Reed (hamstring). And safety Kerby Joseph has been playing through a knee injury, while Brian Branch is dealing with an ankle injury,” Gagnon wrote. “Unsurprisingly, that unit has had some spotty performances thus far. They’re giving up 22.4 points per game, up from 20.1 in 2024.”
Gagnon noted that the Lions have found ways to make up for the string of injuries, but could see a big boost when McNeill is able to return to the field — which could come as early as this week.
“The good news is they’re making up for it with takeaways and sacks, and McNeill may return just in time for a big Week 6 matchup with the Chiefs,” Gagnon wrote.
Good Signs for Alim McNeill
It appeared that McNeill may have been able to return for last week’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals, with head coach Dan Campbell saying he was “50/50” to play. The Lions ultimately ruled McNeill out, though the coaching staff has been giving some hopeful signs about his ability to return and get back to his previous form.
Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard said last week that McNeill has looked great while ramping up toward his return.
“I told Dan [Campbell] yesterday that it’s amazing when you watch those practice clips. It’s like he’s been at training camp. I mean he does not look like a player that hasn’t practiced, and that’s credit to him,” Sheppard said, via ESPN. “I know all this bone density and all these guru terms they throw out, but all I know is I see a very, very high caliber defensive tackle when I turned on the tape yesterday so I’m very excited to have him back out there.”
McNeill added that he is excited to get back on the field and help his teammates. The team has struggled at times to generate consistent pressure on quarterbacks — which was especially true after Aidan Hutchinson’s season-ending injury last year. McNeill has been one of the most consistent defensive linemen.
McNeill suffered a torn ACL in December, missing the team’s final stretch and early playoff exit. He finished the season with 25 total tackles and 3.5 sacks, adding a forced fumble and pass defensed.
