Brian Branch ejected for late hit on Bo Melton, Tom Brady calls out decision
Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch was ejected from Sunday’s game against the Green Bay Packers for his late hit on Bo Melton, and Tom Brady didn’t like the call. During the broadcast on Fox, Brady spoke to rules analyst Dean Blandino about why Branch was ejected.
“I don’t love that call at all. Obviously, it’s a penalty but to me, there has to be serious intent in a game like this,” Tom Brady said.
“Exactly now we have more flags, looks like Branch did something as he was leaving the field,” Blandino said. “The officials called the foul. They can decide to eject. This happens so late. This had to come from New York. They’re looking at it. They decided the hit raised to a level of disqualification.”
This was a big loss for the Lions as they were looking to beat the Packers to maintain the top spot in the NFC North. Fortunately, the Lions defeated the Packers 24-14 to improve their record to 7-1. Before the ejection, Branch recorded two tackles.
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Detroit Lions love what Brian Branch brings to safety position
Heading into Sunday’s game, Branch recorded 38 tackles, 11 passes defended and four interceptions. The former Alabama Crimson Tide star was selected by the Lions in the second round of last year’s draft and notched 74 tackles, one sack, three interceptions and 13 passes defended with one defensive touchdown. His play during the 2023 season led to him earning Defensive Rookie of the Year votes.
Last month, Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn talked about Branch making plays at safety after playing cornerback last year. “As you can see, our guys are doing a really good job of that,” Glenn said per the Lions’ official website. “And that’s just how the system is built and that’s – I love safeties that can play that way. I think it allows you to allow your corners to play with leverage, they allow your safeties to have a little freedom within the defense to go make plays, and we have one of the better ones in Brian Branch that’s highly instinctive, that can play down, that can play back.”