Detroit Lions

Dan Campbell on Lions’ defense of Brian Branch: ‘He’s their brother’

The Detroit Lions’ coaching staff is fully aligned with the locker room’s reaction to the now-deleted NFL Films video that criticized one of their standout defenders.

Lions lineman D.J. Reader and offensive tackle Dan Skipper were among several players who voiced strong objections to the “Turning Point” segment from NFL Films that targeted Brian Branch and his conduct after the conclusion of their Week 6 matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Lions head coach Dan Campbell said he believes the video could actually unite his team and serve as extra motivation heading into Monday night’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

“Well, that’s who our guys are,” Campbell said. “We fight through adversity. And listen, that’s their brother — and if someone’s going to go after their brother, they’ll respond. We’re a tight-knit locker room. And I’ve said this before — BB’s a good man. He’s accepted the consequences for what happened, and he’ll be ready when Minnesota comes around.”

Due to Branch’s involvement in a postgame altercation with Chiefs receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, he will sit out Monday night’s matchup at Ford Field as he serves a one-game suspension that he unsuccessfully appealed.

Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard told reporters on Friday that he hadn’t watched the video highlighting Branch’s mistake. Still, like Campbell, he stood firmly behind his players.

“I support whatever our players say,” Sheppard said. “We’re one family here, so I’ll let the guys handle what’s said on social media. Just know I’m standing with our players and coaches.”

Branch will be eligible to return to the team following Monday’s game. However, with Detroit entering its bye week immediately afterward, the defender will officially rejoin the lineup on Nov. 2 when the Lions host the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field.

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