'‘He Got Done Dirty’: Lions Unite Behind Brian Branch After Controversial Suspension
The Detroit Lions have rallied behind safety Brian Branch following his one-game suspension , which stemmed from an altercation after a recent game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Branch’s actions, including a punch thrown at JuJu Smith-Schuster, have sparked conversations about player conduct and the consequences that follow.
Despite the disciplinary action , his teammates have shown unwavering support, wearing Branch’s jersey during their game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In a touching tribute, Detroit’s defensive backs donned black No. 32 jerseys, symbolizing their solidarity with Branch.
Cornerback Amik Robertson expressed the team’s commitment to supporting their teammate, emphasizing that they were always in his corner. This gesture highlights the strong bond within the Lions’ locker room, especially during challenging times when key players are sidelined.
Branch’s suspension comes at a pivotal moment for Detroit, who are already facing a depleted secondary due to injuries. With other defensive backs missing time, the pressure on the remaining players to perform has intensified. The team managed to secure a win against the Buccaneers, demonstrating resilience and the ability to adapt under difficult circumstances.
This incident has also prompted discussions about the broader impact of player discipline on team dynamics. While Branch’s actions were criticized, the support from his teammates illustrates a commitment to unity and mutual respect. The Lions are focused on maintaining their momentum as they prepare for upcoming games.
Detroit Lions Express Their Support for Brian Branch After His Suspension
Several stars from Detroit’s roster have rallied behind Branch after he was suspended by the league. This can be seen in an article by Dave Birkett for Detroit Free Press.
“That was our goal to go out there and support him because we’re always in his corner,” Robertson said. “Great player, an unbelievable person, great teammate.
“We wanted to go out there represent him and when we stepped in the building, we wanted him to know that we’re in his corner no matter what. We love him. We can’t wait to have him back.”
Robertson and the rest of the Lions’ defensive backs wore black No. 32 Branch jerseys to the game on Monday, Oct. 20, which Branch missed while serving a one-game suspension for striking receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster after last week’s loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
With Branch eligible to return after the bye week, the Lions are eager to have him back on the field. His skills and leadership are crucial for a defense that has faced its share of challenges this season.
Branch’s suspension has ignited a rallying cry among his teammates, showcasing the strength of their collective spirit. As Detroit moves forward, the support for Branch will be instrumental in navigating the season’s challenges and striving for success.
Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch (32) gives the double middle finger after being ejected for unnecessary roughness during the first quarter of their game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, November 3, 2024 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Texans have draft capital to deal, a little bit of wiggle room financially, and with the right package, could be tempted to pull the trigger on a move that helps bolster their chances of a third-straight playoff appearance at years end
The NFL trade deadline is creeping up closer and closer by the day, which means buzz around the league will continue to bubble up until the cutoff date for deals officially hits at the beginning of next month.
And for the Houston Texans, some have begun to connect the dots of a potential mid-season move being in play.
At 2-3 coming out of the bye looking to make up ground in the AFC South race, adding another dose of talent on either side of the ball might not be a poor investment. The Texans have draft capital to deal, a little bit of wiggle room financially, and with the right package, could be tempted to pull the trigger on a move that helps bolster their chances of a third-straight playoff appearance at years end.
But when asking Texans general manager Nick Caserio, he might not be holding his breath for a truly ground-breaking move to transpire for Houston's roster.
Caserio was interviewed on Texans Radio ahead of Week 7's battle vs. the Seattle Seahawks to dish on some of the opportunities that could be available at the deadline. Rather than bringing in outside talent, Caserio highlighted the improvements that could be in store internally, while also cooling off the chatter of adding a big-time impact player.
"Some of the players that are going to help us are in the building, they're just in a different category; they're on the reserve list, and we've had some players that have started practicing," Caserio said.
"I would say, when you look across the league, the reality is, if trades take place, it's probably to improve or upgrade their overall depth. Are you really trading for an impact player? It's probably hard this time of year, and then, there's some things that have to match up from a contractual standpoint."
With most big-time players being signed on to decent-sized contracts, the flexibility for mostly cap-constrained teams around the league to acquire those talents becomes a bit out of the realm of possibility. Especially when those moves require additional assets to be dealt in return, those mid-season splashes can be few and far between.
Caserio doesn't count out the opportunity to make the Texans better at the deadline, but instead of pushing the chips in for a star, upgrading the depth around the edges is much more feasible.
"There's always opportunities to improve your team, you just have to figure out what's the right mechanism; whats the right fit... We have some players that we feel are going to be able to help our team that haven't played for us at this point."
Perhaps the bigger takeaway from Caserio is his confidence in those currently off the field for the Texans who can make a solid impact further down the line this season.
Offensively, guys like Justin Watson and Cade Stover have gone down with early-season injuries to take their services out of the fold, and of course, the status of running back Joe Mixon remains up in the air. Defensively, rookies Jaylin Smith and Jaylen Reed should be eyeing a return soon, as well as veterans like Denico Autry and Jimmie Ward.
So, instead of poking around the market for a splash, the Texans could be gearing up to stand pat and focus on the talent already in-house, rather than forcing a mid-season upgrade.
Time will tell how Caserio plays his hand, but he's seemingly confident in what Houston can do down the line this season, with or without a trade deadline move.
