Brian Branch was ejected during the second quarter of the game against the Green Bay Packers. The Detroit Lions safety had a helmet-to-helmet hit on the Packers’ Bo Milton, and the game officials’ decision left many confused.
Fans on social media were unhappy with the controversial decision, as most of them thought Branch’s hit was not intended to be harmful.
Fans React to Brian Branch’s Controversial Ejection vs. Packers
Tom Brady was calling this game for Fox, and he also did not agree with the decision of Branch getting ejected. Here’s how the fans reacted to the call:
Horrible call by the Refs to eject him… 15 yards was enough.
— Tglizz (@TheRealTglizz) November 3, 2024
“Absolutely the softest call ever, joke of a league,” wrote one fan.
“As a Packers fan, that was a soft, weak bulls**t call. Ruining the game,” said another fan.
“I don’t love that call at all .” – Tom Brady
I mean literally NO ONE loves that call smh #DETvsGB #onepride https://t.co/JEu4LTn7fK
— B (@brittany_nadams) November 3, 2024
“Led with the shoulder. No history of those kind of hits. Penalty, yes, ejection though!??” questioned a fan.
“It’s against the Packers in Lambeau; what do you expect,” said a fan.
NFL biased toward the Packers https://t.co/W7r1VSiDgh
— Nicholas Tillotson (@nick_till32) November 3, 2024
Since getting drafted in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Branch has been an important player for the Lions. He is a difference-maker on the field, and his absence could prove pivotal.
In six games this season, Branch has recorded 31 solo tackles, seven assists, two tackles for loss, 11 pass deflections, and four interceptions. Heading into Week 9, the Lions have been the best team in the NFL, and their defense has allowed an average of 19.1 points per game.
Lions Are Up by 17–3 vs. Packers at Halftime
Despite losing Branch early in the second quarter, the Lions are rolling against the Packers. They had a 17-3 lead over Green Bay at halftime, and their defense has made things extremely tough for Jordan Love, who is also dealing with a groin injury.
Love was 10/17 in the first half for 120 yards and threw a pick-six to the Lions’ Kerby Joseph. Based on how the game has played out so far, Detroit will likely get their sixth straight win today and improve to 7-1 this season.
A win against the Packers would be a huge one, as it would go a long way in helping the Lions secure the first seed in the NFC.
Goff is again playing well, and he’s had a history of playing MVP-esque football in domed stadiums but has struggled often in outdoor stadiums. Moreover, it was raining at Lambeau Field, making Goff’s performance even better. In the first half against the Packers, the Lions quarterback completed 11/12 of his throws for 86 yards and a touchdown.
The Lions have blown out many teams this season. If they can do the same against the Packers at Lambeau Field with Branch getting ejected, it will be a big statement win for them and improve their odds to win the Super Bowl.