Photo: Junfu Han ~ USA TODAY NETWORK
DETROIT, July 28, 2025 ~ Brian Branch is entering training camp with confidence after last year’s breakout season. At today’s press conference, he highlighted the defense’s ability to get key stops, even when the offense kept pushing on fourth down. With new defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard continuing former defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn’s message, and the team finally healthy, Branch believes the secondary’s chemistry and potential are sky-high.
Personally, Branch is aiming to improve his consistency after switching roles last season. He’s expected to continue contributing in multiple roles on defense, including covering receivers in the slot, helping stop the run near the line of scrimmage, and occasionally dropping back to defend deeper passes. While not known as a vocal leader, he said he tries to lead by example and support younger teammates like Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw Jr., who are continuing to develop.
SOCIAL MEDIA:
(CONTINUED) Branch also praised veterans like DJ Reed and Avonte Maddox for their impact in the room, helping elevate everyone’s game. He’s been sharpened by daily battles with Amon-Ra St. Brown and believes the secondary was elite last year despite injuries. “We believed we were the best secondary last year,” Branch said. “This year, our chemistry is on a whole other level and for that alone, it’s scary.”
Takeaways have become a focal point under Sheppard, and Branch is embracing that challenge. He knows turnovers can swing momentum, fuel the offense, and ultimately win games. Whether it’s punching the ball out in drills or staying tight in coverage, the defense is locked in. Practicing against a smart quarterback like Jared Goff, who rarely risks bad throws, only sharpens their edge for Sundays.
760 WJR TOP STORIES:
