Detroit Lions defensive back Brian Branch was ejected in the second quarter of the team’s critical NFC North matchup against the Green Bay Packers.
Below we recap the situation and what it means for the Lions.
Why Was Brian Branch Ejected?
The Lions’ nickelback was disqualified after a hit to the head of Packers wide receiver Bo Melton. The penalty nullified a 2nd-and-20 incompletion.
To make matters worse, Branch received an additional 15-yard penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct for arguing with the referee’s decision to eject him. Shockingly, the Lions didn’t give up any points on the drive, as Brandon McManus missed a 46-yard field goal.
Fox Sports color commentator Tom Brady appeared to disagree with the ejection, claiming “there has to be serious intent” to justify a disqualification.
Lions DB Brian Branch has been ejected from the game after a helmet-to-helmet hit. pic.twitter.com/wgX5m9AOGr
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) November 3, 2024
Branch had two tackles at the time of his ejection while Detroit led 7-3 in the second quarter.
Branch is one of the most valuable players on a Lions defense already missing Aidan Hutchinson. The second-year defensive back is a versatile player capable of playing both slot corner and safety, and was also one of the most impactful playmakers on the unit.
Entering Week 9, Branch had four interceptions, tied for third-most of any player. In addition, his nine passes defended were tied for the sixth-most of any player, despite the Lions already having their bye week.
Decision to Disqualify Branch Came From New York NFL Office
The ejection was not made by the on-field officials, but rather the New York NFL office. This is akin to the replay assist helping overturn an incorrect call on the field without requiring a challenge flag from a coach.
NFL Senior Vice President of Officiating Perry Fewell was asked about the penalty on Branch by pool reporter Rob Demovsky of ESPN following the game.
NFL Senior VP of Officiating Perry Fewell told pool reporter @RobDemovsky on #Lions DB Brian Branch’s ejection: “We reviewed all the angles, and we clearly felt that he had time and space to make a different choice, as the act was a flagrant foul.” pic.twitter.com/K1bIcj6Jd6
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) November 4, 2024
Demovsky asked Fewell if the penalty on Branch was an automatic ejection.
“Not automatic,” Fewell said. “We reviewed all the angles, and we clearly felt that he had time and space to make a different choice, as the act was a flagrant foul. And he clearly had the opportunity to avoid the head and neck area.”
Branch will likely be fined one way or another given how he left the field, but a review process during the week will determine whether he pays up for the hit on Melton.
Fewell was also asked about Branch’s questionable actions after leaving the field. He stated that no additional action was taken by the on-field officials due to Branch’s actions, but it is a situation that is subject to future penalty through compliance.