Brian Branch: Lions defense needs to focus on discipline, not panic

Brian Branch has been at the epicenter of the Lions defensive attack quite a bit in 2025. The third-year safety continues to make quite a few plays all over the formation, but Branch has also had some perplexing gaffes where he's seemingly out of position or caught unaware of what's going on around him.

That's been true of the entire Lions defense of late, and that's something Branch was asked about after Sunday's practice. The Lions play on Thursday for the second consecutive week, so a Sunday practice while other teams were playing was the schedule for Week 14 ahead of the primetime matchup with Dallas this Thursday.

Branch was asked how the team can fix the recent downward trend in the defense.

"Get back to our roots," Branch responded. "Discipline and stuff. We beat ourselves - literally."

Branch continued, reflecting the concept that the Lions are looking in the mirror instead of out the window.

"There's nothing too much about the other teams, what they do. It's all about us (taps his chest). If we hone into our craft and (play) disciplined, we're gonna be alright."

As for the sense of panic around the team now that the 7-5 record has Detroit on the outside looking into the playoffs, Branch doesn't see that at all within the locker room.

"It's not time for panic," Branch said. "I feel like everybody outside of the organization is panicking. But, as long as we play our game, we'll be fine."

More: Brian Branch, 2 other Lions fined for plays in Week 12 win over Giants

This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Brian Branch: Lions defense needs to focus on discipline, not panic