Notebook: Brian Branch Explains Decision to Wear Mouthguard on Helmet

The rookie is becoming one of Detroit's best defenders.

Detroit Lions rookie Brian Branch is quickly becoming one of the most popular figures on Aaron Glenn's defense, because of his affinity for hard hits and being in the right spot at the right time. 

However, another aspect that sticks out about Branch is his decision to wear his mouthguard atop his helmet. The green mouthpiece is stuck into a vent atop his Riddell Speed Flex helmet. 

"I put it up there, because I can't really breathe with it in," Branch explained Tuesday. "Especially, God forbid, that we're on the field for a long time. I've been playing with it like that since college, so I guess it's like tradition." 

The rookie added that he has worn a green mouthpiece since college for a personal reason that he did not elaborate on. He has yet to wear it traditionally through the season's first three games.

"I probably, I thought I was gonna put it in this week just because they run the ball a lot," Branch stated. "But, nah, if I didn't put it in this week, I probably won't put it in." 

Lions ready to 'put on a show'

The Packers are entering Sunday's game presumably with a sour taste, after the Lions ended their season last year with a loss. The victory by Dan Campbell and company eliminated Green Bay from playoff contention, in what was the final game of the regular season. 

Now, in primetime, the Packers will get their chance at revenge. However, the Lions are eager to once again hit the grass at Lambeau Field, and make the most of their nationally televised opportunity.

"For us, since I've been here, I haven't had too many primetime games, so to get them is nice," Amon-Ra St. Brown explained. "Everyone's watching, got to put on a show for everyone. Got to play our best brand of football, but it's just nice to know that it's the only game that's on. It's the only game that people can watch. At Lambeau, division rival, it's gonna be exciting." 

Quarterback Jared Goff has led the team to three straight wins over the Packers, with Thursday presenting an opportunity for his fourth consecutive. 

After ending the Packers' season in 2022, Detroit is expecting to see a motivated Green Bay squad Thursday night.

"I never thought of that, maybe," Goff explained. "Yeah, they're probably saying that, right? Over there. I don't know, for us, it's a road division game, and would be one we'd like to win."  

Stopping the run

The Lions' run defense has been an emphasis since the beginning of OTAs. Long into the offseason, defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn preached the importance of stopping the run first. 

Through three games, the defense has been stout in that area. It has yet to allow an individual 100-yard rusher, and it held Atlanta's normally prolific rushing attack to less than 50 yards in total. 

The Lions have keyed in on being relentless in that aspect of the game and winning 1-on-1 battles, which they did plenty of on Sunday. Through three weeks, Detroit ranks fifth in opposing rush yards allowed per game. 

"Being relentless, playing with (a) relentless effort," Alim McNeill said. "We've honestly just been lining up, playing man on man, technique on technique. I really say it's a mentality thing, stopping the run is a mentality. You can draw up whatever you want, but mentally you have to be there, too. I would say our mentality right now. Because if you stop the run, that's how you win the ball game. So, you have to stop the run, you have to eliminate the run game."