Branch's Interception Powers Lions' Defense In Win Over Packers

Branch's Interception Powers Lions' Defense In Win Over Packers

Brian Branch intercepted a deep pass from Jordan Love on third-and-21 in the fourth quarter Sunday, sealing a 20-17 win for the Detroit Lions over the Green Bay Packers at Ford Field. It was the Pro Bowl safety's first game back since tearing his right Achilles in Week 14 last season, and it came in Detroit's first divisional matchup of the year.

Branch opened the season on the physically unable to perform list and was on a snap count Sunday, finishing with four tackles and the interception. Teammates described his impact as immediate. "I thought our defense really, really stepped up, and they were the big story of this game," coach Dan Campbell said after the win, adding that he sees "a confidence, a trust that's building" within the unit. Linebacker Derrick Barnes said he is "almost 99.9 percent sure" the ball belongs to Branch whenever it's in the air deep down the field, while defensive end Aidan Hutchinson called him the defense's "tone-setter." surf betting

In 44 career NFL games, Branch has recorded eight interceptions, 39 passes defensed, 20 tackles for loss and three forced fumbles. Detroit still ranks last in the league in pass defense and is tied for 26th in takeaways with six, and the Lions are still missing All-Pro safety Kerby Joseph, who is recovering from a knee injury. Sunday's defensive effort included a turnover on downs at the 7-yard line, a pass breakup by backup cornerback Khalil Dorsey that set up Branch's interception, and a deflected field-goal attempt by defensive end DJ Wonnum on Green Bay's final drive. The Lions have held three of their past four opponents under 25 points.

Detroit improved to 4-2 and will host the undefeated Minnesota Vikings on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET. A defense regaining form around an offense already considered among the league's best gives the Lions a different look heading into that divisional test.