The Detroit Lions had their best season in franchise history in 2024 as they finished 15-2. It marked their first time ever winning at least ten games in back-to-back seasons after tying their previous franchise record with 12 wins the previous season.
Despite battling a slew of injuries, their defense was among the best units in the league. Brian Branch, who was one of the few Lions defenders to remain relatively healthy, believes the unit will be much better in 2025.
Lions’ Star Safety Brian Branch Believes Unit Will Improve This Season
While the Lions had one of the best defensive units in the regular season, injuries caught up to them in the postseason. Despite earning the NFC’s top seed and a first-round bye, they were unable to win a playoff game. Detroit was bounced in the Divisional Round, suffering a 45-31 loss to the Washington Commanders.
Branch, who was the lone member of their defense to earn Pro Bowl honors, said they are now feeling ‘invincible’ on that side of the ball, stating:
“I feel like we’re better than last year. We’re hungry, and I feel that’s gonna separate us. Our chemistry is on a whole ‘nother level… We went through the ups and downs. We fought together in tough games. We have been in a game where it depended on us to win. So, it just makes everybody buy in.”
𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚: #Lions star S Brian Branch says that they are better than they were last year, saying their chemistry is on a whole different level, he told reporters.
“I feel like we’re better than last year. We’re hungry, and I feel that’s gonna separate us. Our chemistry is… pic.twitter.com/RhssQ4Rmfr
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) June 29, 2025
Reflecting on having gained experience from a disappointing end to last year, Branch expressed optimism ahead of the new season and said:
“Once you have a group that has bought in and has gone through trials and tribulations, we feel invincible… Last year, injuries, they were kind of against us. This year, everybody’s healthy that is coming back. And we’re just hungry. We’ve still got the same mission and the same goals. We’re trying to get that Super Bowl.”
Last season, the Lions were led by an elite offensive unit, leading the league in scoring offense while ranking second in total yards. PFSN’s Offense+ metric ranked them as the best unit in the NFL and the third-best unit since 2019, when tracking began.
Detroit ranked seventh in scoring defense and 20th in total yards allowed and were rated as the fifth-best defensive unit in the league, according to PFSN’s Defense+ metric.
Branch, too, had a strong season in 2024 as he recorded 109 total tackles, 79 of which were solo tackles, eight tackles for loss, 1.0 sacks, six quarterback hits, four interceptions, one forced fumble, and 16 passes defended.
If Detroit is able to be even better defensively than they were a season ago, they could pose as the NFC’s biggest threat to the Philadelphia Eagles.