Brian Branch, a cornerback for the Detroit Lions, had a solid rookie season. However, the 22-year-old felt it fell short.
During an interview with Dave Birkett of The Detroit Free Press, Branch described his rookie campaign as a “great stepping stone.” However, he hinted that his 2024 season will be significantly better.
“I had my ups and downs and I feel like I left a lot of plays out there on the table that I was supposed to make,” Birkett was quoted as saying. “I’m still thinking about that and I’m not kind of proud of that, and I feel like my next year is going to have to be my biggest year.”
Branch made his NFL debut in Week 1 against the reigning champion Kansas City Chiefs, returning an interception for a touchdown. The Lions’ 21-20 victory established the tone for the remainder of the season.
Branch recorded 74 combined tackles in 15 games in 2023, with 7 tackles for loss and 3 quarterback hits. He also recorded 13 pass defenses, 3 interceptions, 1 sack, and one forced fumble.
Lions’ Brian Branch Identifies His Weaknesses.
Branch got votes for Defensive debut of the Year because to a good debut season. In actuality, he finished fifth with 6 voting points, tying for second place among defensive backs.
But Branch isn’t sitting on his laurels. While speaking with Birkett, who described the 22-year-old as “notoriously hard on himself,” Branch identified two areas where he hopes to make the most progress this summer.
“I want to say still covering, not really using my hands in a way,” Branch said Birkett. “Like down the field, I have a habit of using them, and you cannot touch these receivers.” That and just my blitzes. I feel like I choked on several blitzes.
Branch admitted that he paused too much throughout his blitzes. That sometimes resulted in Branch receiving a pressure instead of a sack.
The Lions would surely like to convert more pressures into sacks next season. Detroit topped the NFL in pressure rate, but had 41 sacks, tied for 23rd in the league.
Branch had 5 hurries, 2 quarterback knockdowns, and 8 pressures to go along with his one sack on 31 blitzes. He also had an 81.3 passer rating against in coverage.
High Expectations for Branch and Lions in 2024.
Branch will not be the only one entering the 2024 season with great hopes.
After ending their division title and playoff win drought, the Lions will be among the NFL’s favorites next season.
According to BETMGM, the Lions are tied for fourth-best 2024 Super Bowl odds. ESPN’s Early 2024 NFL Power Rankings rated the Lions fourth, trailing only the Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens, and San Francisco 49ers.
How Branch and the Lions handle these heightened expectations will be a narrative throughout 2024.
Many analysts believe that the greatest priority for Detroit this summer is cornerback. The Lions finished last season ranked 27th in pass defense and 29th in yards allowed per pass attempt.
Last year’s offseason moves for their secondary were largely unsuccessful. C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Emmanuel Moseley played sparingly due to injury, and Cameron Sutton struggled, particularly against the top receivers in the postseason.
Fortunately, one strategy proved effective: drafting Branch. This offseason, he will serve as the foundation around which the Lions will develop their secondary.
