Detroit Lions defensive back Brian Branch made it clear he and his teammates believe they’re ready for a Super Bowl push. Speaking with The Detroit Free Press, Branch said the team’s chemistry and hunger after two straight playoff heartbreaks will set them apart in 2025.
“I feel like we’re better than last year,” Branch said. “We’re hungry, and that’s gonna separate us. Our chemistry is on a whole different level… Once you have a group that has bought in and gone through trials and tribulations, we feel invincible.”
Branch has only known success since arriving as a second-round pick in 2023, with the Lions winning their first division title in 30 years and then posting a franchise-best 15-2 record in 2024. Still, the Lions have fallen short of the Super Bowl, blowing a 17-point NFC title game lead in 2024 and losing at home in the divisional round this past January.
Detroit’s 2025 schedule won’t make things easier: they’ll play nine road games, including matchups against both of last season’s Super Bowl teams, and face what might be the NFL’s toughest division with a competitive NFC North.
The Lions also lost both coordinators this offseason — offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn — to head coaching jobs elsewhere. John Morton will take over the offense, returning to Detroit after a stint in Denver, while former linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard will lead the defense.
Injuries were a major issue late last season, with defensive stars like Aidan Hutchinson and Alim McNeill missing the playoffs. If Detroit can stay healthy and adjust to new leadership, Branch believes they can finally break through.
Brian Branch Boldly Claims Lions Are Ready to Dominate 2025 Season
