A one-game suspension may have made Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch even more formidable.

On Tuesday, Lions safeties coach Jim O’Neil shared his thoughts on Branch’s mindset since returning from his Week 7 absence, and his comments have fueled excitement for the 2024 Pro Bowler ahead of Sunday’s Week 9 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings (3-4).

“It’s awesome to have him back,” O’Neil told reporters, including Nolan Bianchi of The Detroit News. He noted that Branch looks “even more motivated” and added that the young safety is “one of my all-time favorite people and all-time favorite players that I’ve ever coached.”

Detroit Lions’ remarks serve as an encouraging sign for Brian Branch entering Week 9.

Branch has already cemented himself among the NFL’s elite safeties, and based on O’Neil’s remarks, he could be an even greater difference-maker upon his return.

According to NFL Pro Insights, Branch has been targeted at the third-lowest rate (9.7%) among defenders with 20 or more targets. He’s also allowed the sixth-fewest yards (164) among defensive backs with at least 20 targets and 200 coverage snaps. On top of that, Branch’s pass-rushing impact has been immense, recording pressure on 44.4% of his rush attempts.

Detroit’s defense didn’t falter without him in Week 7, limiting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to 210 passing yards and a season-low nine points. Branch’s one-game suspension stemmed from a postgame altercation after the Week 6 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, but O’Neil’s admiration shows the team stands firmly behind him and refuses to let one mistake define his reputation. Branch’s performance will.

Branch’s play will indeed speak for itself — and he could thrive this weekend against Minnesota.

The Vikings are preparing to reinsert rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who struggled in his first two career starts, completing 58.5% of his passes for 301 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions, while losing 47 yards on nine sacks. If the Lions — without Branch — could shut down a potent Tampa Bay attack led by veteran Baker Mayfield, they should feel confident hosting McCarthy at Ford Field.

Branch likely won’t need extra motivation for a division battle, but after his rough primetime altercation with Chiefs receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, he’ll be eager to redeem himself. For a defense already operating at a high level, Branch’s return — paired with O’Neil’s glowing endorsement — could make Detroit’s unit even more dangerous.