Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch was ejected last Sunday after a helmet-to-helmet hit on Green Bay Packers receiver Bo Melton in the second quarter.
The hit was initially flagged for unnecessary roughness, but after reviewing with the New York officiating hub, the league deemed the hit severe enough to merit an ejection.
“We reviewed all the angles and felt he had time and space to make a different choice, as it was a flagrant foul,” said NFL senior vice president of officiating Perry Fewell. “He clearly had the opportunity to avoid the head and neck area.”
On Wednesday, Branch shared his view on the play, essentially agreeing with the penalty, although it’s unclear if he supports the ejection itself.
“I most definitely agree with the call,” Branch said. “I know my target was high, but I never intended to aim for the head. Moving forward, I need to lower my target.”
Branch received support from defensive assistant Jim O’Neil, who primarily works with the safeties. O’Neil noted that the play was difficult for Branch, as Melton was turning his head when Branch approached.
“The easy answer is, ‘Lower your target,’ but when both players are running full speed and the other’s weight drops, it’s tough,” O’Neil said. “You don’t want to tell guys to aim at the knees. We coach targeting the sternum, but it’s a bang-bang play. It’s difficult, and I don’t think he had any malicious intent.”
After the ejection, Branch, visibly frustrated, gave middle fingers to the Lambeau crowd, earning another personal foul penalty. Reflecting on it days later, he expressed regret.
“I don’t want people to see me like that,” Branch said. “That was a heat-of-the-moment reaction. I apologize to everyone who saw it. That won’t happen again.”
