Being 'Student of Game' Gives Brian Branch Edge

The Lions' safety was among the NFL's top rookies in Week 1.

Detroit Lions defensive back Brian Branch did not win the NFL's rookie of the week award following his NFL debut. That honor went to the New York Jets' Xavier Gipson, who had a game-winning punt return touchdown in overtime. 

However, the second-round pick made a game-changing play in the season opener, grabbing a deflected pass from Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes and racing 50 yards for the game-tying score in the third quarter. 

In total, Branch recorded three tackles, a pass defensed and the interception that he returned for a touchdown. 

He played 44 snaps in Thursday's game, earning a 65.6 cumulative defensive grade from Pro Football Focus. He left the game briefly in the second half with cramps but returned promptly. 

It was all part of a strong defensive effort by a revamped unit. After the Lions finished at the bottom of the league in many categories defensively last season, the front office brought in plenty of new talent in an effort to revitalize production. 

The moves have already paid dividends, as defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn is now presiding over a much more confident unit. 

"I feel like we have dogs at each position," Branch told the team's website. "Really, just our main thing is we've got to be consistent." 

The rookie ended the first week of the season as the fourth-fastest recorded ball-carrier, reaching 20.74 mph on his interception return. 

He has shown off his versatility during his limited playing time. The rookie has made plays both in coverage and as a tackler in the run game during his limited preseason and Week 1 action. 

"In the run, they expect me to fit the gaps like a linebacker," Branch said. "When it's a passing down, I'm expected to cover like a corner, in a way. Those two, that's really my responsibility as a nickel, and just me being closer to the line of scrimmage."

It has been an impressive start to the rookie's career. Drafted No. 48 overall, he has risen up the depth chart and earned a starting spot as the team's nickel cornerback. 

"I've been playing this game since I was like eight years old. So just, over time, but also being a student of the game, I feel like, has helped me come a long way," Branch explained. "And just, preparation, I take practice very seriously and always preached practice how you play. Try to practice hard as I can so that when the game comes, it can, not come easy but just more like a layup so I'll be ready for the game."

The Lions are confident in his abilities to play well each week. Glenn isn't concerned with a potential setback following last week's success. 

"That should tell you everything about him. I don't think that's a worry, well, I know it's not a worry. This guy comes from a great program and he's made a lot of plays on the biggest stage that he could be in," Glenn said. "He had a pick-six, man, he's on to the next."