Editor’s note: This is the sixth article in a seasonal series about breakout stars from the past week in NFL action. Week 6 Winners: Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch
After the Lions defeated the Dallas Cowboys 47-9, Alex Anzalone had the biggest smile during his postgame press conference.
The Detroit linebacker was just asked about teammate Brian Branch, a rising second-year safety who appeared to be instrumental in the blowout win.
“He’s a ball player and a ball hawk.” Anzalone said.
With his elite playmaking, Branch became the Lions’ defensive star on Sunday, recording two interceptions, one forced fumble and six tackles (five solo). He joined Dre’ Bly as the second player in franchise history to record two picks and a forced fumble in a single game.
In four games this season, Branch has three interceptions, which would total 15 games as a rookie in 2023. The former Alabama star is also on pace to be better than he was as a rookie in several other categories, including pass breakups, combined tackles and solos. According to Pro Football Reference, tackles, tackles for loss, quarterback hits, completion percentage allowed, yards allowed, air yards allowed, yards allowed per reception and passer rating allowed on target are recorded, according to Pro Football Reference.
Drafted with the 45th pick in last year’s draft, Branch made a smooth transition to safety after playing primarily nickel as a rookie. Among safeties this season, he ranks third in interceptions (3), tied for first in forced incompletions (5) and third in forced incompletions percentage (29%), according to Pro Football Focus.
Branch’s continued rise with the Lions has become even more important due to Aidan Hutchinson’s leg injury, which is expected to keep the superstar edge rusher out for up to six months.
Defensively, Detroit’s Super Bowl run leans more than ever on the Branch-led secondary.
Before missing the Lions’ Week 4 game against the Seattle Seahawks, his former team’s final contest on Sunday (Week 5 bye), he led the league with seven pass breakups.
“He is the best football player.” Coach Dan Campbell said Sunday. “He gets it. He sees it. The safety position in our defense is perfect for him because it allows him to move around and gives him some freedom. It’s structured, but he has the freedom to move around a little bit and make plays. There’s a ball, and you can tell the sky’s the limit for him.”
Tom Brady said the Lions are the best team he’s seen this year.
Why Branch Succeeded in Week 6
His versatility is one thing in the Lions’ plans.
Branch plays a safety on two-high and single-high looks, but he also moves around the box and plays nickel. He played 72% of the snaps as a rookie, according to PFF. Of his 233 snaps this season, 90 have been played at free safety (38.6%), 72 in the box (30.9%), 55 in the slot (23.6%), 11 on the defensive line (4.7%) and five at cornerback ( 4.7%). 2.1%).
Branch’s first interception on Sunday in the first quarter came on a two-high. He had full responsibility in zone coverage, but quickly dipped in to jump on a pass intended for CeeDee Lamb, who was drifting into the corner of the end zone behind him.
His second pick came early in the fourth quarter, when he held a deep safety in single-high coverage. Dak Prescott threw too high (looking into the sun) to receiver Jalen Brooks, and Branch was there for an easy pick and returned it 47 yards to set up a Lions touchdown on the next play.
And Branch was also deployed on the offensive. This is the secret to his big hit on Prescott in the third quarter.
The 2023 second-round pick has become one of the best safeties in football, making plays all over the field.
“If he continues, I think he’s having an All-Pro season,” Anzalone said. “I’m excited to see him continue to grow as a safety and continue to get better in different situations. The sky’s the limit for him.”
Ben Arthur is an NFL reporter for FOX Sports. He previously worked at The Tennessean/USA TODAY Network. titans I beat the writer for a year and a half. He covered: Seattle Seahawks I was with SeattlePI.com for three seasons (2018-20) before moving to Tennessee. You can follow Ben on Twitter. @benyarthur.
(Want great stories delivered straight to your inbox? Create or log in to a FOX Sports account and follow leagues, teams and players to receive personalized newsletters every day..)
Get more information from the National Football League Follow your favorites for information on games, news, and more.
