Tension boiled over in Sunday’s NFC North clash between the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers, culminating in a shocking ejection. Lions safety Brian Branch was disqualified in the second quarter after delivering a vicious helmet-to-helmet hit on Packers wide receiver Bo Melton.
The controversial play occurred with just over six minutes remaining in the first half at Lambeau Field. As Melton went up for a catch across the middle, Branch launched himself head-first into the defenseless receiver. The sickening collision drew gasps from the crowd and immediate flags from the officials.
Outcome of the Hard Hit
Branch was promptly ejected for the blatant targeting foul and unsportsmanlike conduct. As he exited the field, cameras caught the second-year safety flipping off the vocally displeased Packers fans – an act that earned him an additional unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.
Melton was able to walk off under his own power but was taken immediately to the blue medical tent for evaluation. The Packers later announced he was questionable to return with a head injury.
League Crackdown on Dangerous Hits
The egregious hit by Branch exemplifies exactly the type of play the NFL has worked hard to eliminate in recent years. Stricter rules and harsher penalties around hits on defenseless players, especially involving the head and neck area, have been a point of emphasis.
We simply have no tolerance for these dangerous and unnecessary hits to the head and neck. Player safety is our top priority and we will continue to stress proper tackling technique and come down hard on clear violations like this.
– Statement from the NFL Head of Officiating
Branch’s actions could very well draw additional discipline from the league office in the form of a hefty fine or even a suspension. The second-year pro had been enjoying a breakout season, currently tied for third in the league with four interceptions.
Rivalry Boils Over
The heated hit added yet another layer to the long-standing rivalry between these NFC North foes. No love has been lost between the Lions and Packers, who have traded the division title for the past three seasons.
Just last year, a scuffle broke out after a Packers player celebrated a touchdown by doing a Lambeau Leap into a group of Lions fans. And who could forget the infamous facemask penalty that decided a 2015 matchup. Bad blood always seems to bubble up when these two teams collide.
While the physicality and intensity help make this one of the NFL’s best rivalries, Branch clearly crossed a line with his reckless hit today. Here’s hoping Melton avoided serious injury and can return to action soon.
The league office will certainly take a long look at the hit in the coming days. But for now, the ejection serves as an immediate consequence and stark reminder for Branch and players everywhere to take these safety rules seriously and practice proper hitting technique. There’s simply no place in football for what transpired on that play.
