Brian Branch Watched Mahomes' Interception 'About 100 Times'

Brian Branch keeps proving NFL teams were wrong to pass on him.

Detroit Lions nickel cornerback Brian Branch has watched replays of his first career interception and pick-six about 100 times. 

Picking off Patrick Mahomes in your very first NFL game and flying into the end zone will certainly put you on the map, especially for supporters of other teams. These were the individuals who flocked to social media wondering why their team passed on the ex-Crimson Tide defensive back. 

In primetime at Arrowhead Stadium, Branch proved why Detroit's front office decided to select him in the second round and why other teams were wrong to pass on him. 

"It's like just a dream come true," said Branch. "Just feel like a little kid. Just being out there as a little kid, you looked up to players in the NFL -- and one day, hoping you can make a play like that, and just being able to make that play in my first game, I'm blessed. Just got to keep going."

Following halftime, Detroit's defense and secondary clamped down, regularly forcing the Chiefs to punt. 

"Just really communicating as a defense," Branch explained as the cause for the team's improved performance in the second half. "You know, everybody was on the same page. Us being, you know, easing our way into the game. By halftime, we got comfortable, and we were able to play like how we play out here. So just really that."

Jerry Jacobs told All Lions in the locker room, following Detroit's victory, that the defensive backs knew they would have an opportunity to secure at least one interception off Mahomes. 

"Oh my god. Seeing that, man, I seen it live. I'm trailing my guy, and I pushed him. I just seen the tip, and he was behind me," said Jacobs. "I knew he was going to kill him, but I guess he seen the tip and it just came straight to him. So, man, to see my dog get in the end zone -- like we were talking about it last night, like, 'Hey, somebody's got to get one.' To see him get one to start off for the season is amazing." 

Issues with cramping

Branch acknowledged his issue with cramping stems back to his days at Alabama. 

The talented rookie acknowledged a lack of hydration impacted him in his debut, but vows to work to improve his hydration level. 

"I feel like a little lack of hydration. Definitely got to drink some more water and Gatorade to prepare better," said Branch. "But, I don't know, I just tend to cramp a little bit, and back in college, too. So, (I'm) fixing that."