Safety Brian Branch served a one-game suspension after striking Kansas City Chiefs wideout Juju Smith-Schuster following their Week 6 matchup, an incident that led to a brief postgame altercation.

Without Branch, the Lions took the field for “Monday Night Football” against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and still delivered a dominant showing, cruising to a 24-9 victory that showcased their depth and resilience.

St. Brown, Robertson Show Support for Branch

Following the game, several Detroit players made it clear they wanted to send love to their absent teammate.

“We love each other — we play for each other,” receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown said afterward. “Guys make mistakes, that’s part of the game, but we’re always there for one another.”

Cornerback Amik Robertson wore Branch’s No. 32 jersey during his postgame press conference as a gesture of unity.

“Our goal was to go out there and represent him because we’re always in his corner,” Robertson said. “He’s an incredible player, a great person, and an amazing teammate. We love that guy and can’t wait until he’s back with us.”

Detroit Defense and Gibbs Fuel Dominant Win

Detroit’s defense made life miserable for Tampa quarterback Baker Mayfield, bringing him back to earth after a hot start that briefly put him in the MVP conversation. The former No. 1 pick struggled all night against an aggressive Lions front.

Offensively, running back Jahmyr Gibbs stole the spotlight. He broke free for a long touchdown run in the second quarter and added a spinning 5-yard dive in the third, finishing with a career-best 218 total yards from scrimmage.

“You could feel it building,” coach Dan Campbell said. “This was coming.”

The Lions (5-2) rebounded from their previous loss with authority, extending their NFL-best streak to 51 consecutive regular-season games without suffering back-to-back defeats—a run approaching three full years.

“The guys answered the call, just like I expected,” Campbell said.

Tampa Bay (5-2) was outgained by over 200 yards in the first half yet trailed only 14-3 due to Detroit’s miscues — an interception, a fumble, a turnover on downs, and a missed field goal.

Rookie Tez Johnson trimmed the deficit in the third quarter with a 22-yard touchdown grab, pulling the Buccaneers within five, but the surge ended quickly thanks to Gibbs’ brilliance.

On the ensuing drive, Gibbs ripped off a 15-yard run and snagged a 28-yard reception to set up his second score, pushing the lead to 21-9 late in the third.

The electric back finished with 136 rushing yards on 17 carries and 82 receiving yards on three catches — a total achieved only four other times by a Lions player this century.

Gibbs also became the first NFL player since Chris Johnson in 2009 to post at least 135 rushing yards, 80 receiving yards, and two rushing touchdowns in a single game.

“He’s explosive and dangerous — miss one assignment, and he’ll make you pay,” Bucs coach Todd Bowles said.

Lions quarterback Jared Goff went 20-for-29 with 241 yards and a touchdown, while Mayfield completed 28 of 50 for 228 yards, throwing one score and one interception.