Detroit Lions defensive back Brian Branch has made it clear that the team enters the 2025 NFL season with renewed energy and belief.
Since Branch joined the Lions as a second-round draft pick in 2023, he’s only experienced success with the franchise. His rookie year coincided with Detroit capturing its first division title in three decades. That momentum carried into 2024, when the Lions set a franchise record with a 15-2 regular-season finish.
Yet, postseason heartbreak has been their story in back-to-back years. In the 2024 NFC Championship Game, Detroit surrendered a 17-point lead. Then, this past January, they suffered a surprising home loss in the divisional round.
Speaking with the Detroit Free Press, Branch emphasized that those setbacks have only fueled the team’s hunger.
“We’re better than we were last year,” Branch stated, as reported by CBS Sports’ Jordan Dajani. “Our hunger to win sets us apart now. The team chemistry is at an entirely new level.”
Branch elaborated, reflecting on how adversity shaped them: “We’ve experienced highs and lows together. We’ve been tested in pressure situations where the outcome depended on us. That makes everyone more committed. And when a group fully buys in and pushes through challenges together, we start to feel unstoppable.”
Detroit Looks to Bounce Back Strong After Injury-Stricken Finish in 2024
Improving on a 15-2 campaign seems improbable for most teams, and with Detroit’s tougher 2025 schedule, it won’t come easily.
This fall, the Lions will play nine games on the road, compared to eight last season. Making matters more difficult, eight of those nine opponents ended the 2024 season with winning records.
Among Detroit’s road challenges will be visits to both of last season’s Super Bowl teams. Their only road opponent coming off a losing season in 2024 will be the Chicago Bears.
Additionally, the NFC North could prove even more competitive this year. Three out of the four teams made the playoffs last season, and every roster in the division has seemingly improved.
However, Detroit has reason for optimism. Their roster was depleted by injuries during the 2024 postseason loss to the Washington Commanders. Key defensive figures like Aidan Hutchinson, Alim McNeill, Carlton Davis, Derrick Barnes, Malcolm Rodriguez, and Marcus Davenport were sidelined.
While Davis has since moved on in free agency, the Lions hope better injury fortune in 2025 will give them a stronger shot at a deep playoff run.
Adjusting Without Their Coordinators
Branch’s comments about the team’s togetherness will face a real test this season. The Lions must move forward without both offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, each of whom left for NFL head coaching opportunities.
Head coach Dan Campbell, still at the helm, faces perhaps his toughest leadership challenge since arriving in Detroit.
Stepping in as offensive coordinator is John Morton, who was part of Detroit’s staff as a senior offensive assistant in 2022 before spending 2023 with the Denver Broncos.
On defense, former linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard has been promoted to coordinator, taking over Glenn’s responsibilities.
How Morton and Sheppard handle their new roles will be pivotal in determining if Detroit can build on its recent success and finally take that next step in 2025.
