Lions S Brian Branch ejected for helmet-to-helmet hit vs. Packers, throws double birds at Lambeau Field on the way out

Lions safety Brian Branch was ejected for a helmet-to-helmet hit during Sunday’s NFC North showdown against the Green Bay Packers, which Detroit ultimately won 24-14.

After he was flagged, he was assessed another penalty for throwing double birds to the Lambeau Field crowd on the way out.

The goal came in the second quarter when Detroit had a 7-3 lead. Packers QB Jordan Love targeted Bo Melton with an downfield pass near the left sideline. Branch got help on the piece with extensive reporting. Melton dropped the ball and Branch dove at Melton after the ball hit the ground.

Branch speared Melton in the face mask with the crown of his helmet and immediately drew a penalty flag for unnecessary roughness.

After reviewing the play, the referees disqualified Branch from the match. Branch was perplexed and he and his teammates debated the decision with the officials.

After failing to sway officials, Branch then threw double birds to the crowd at Lambeau Field on his way to the sideline.

This again resulted in a penalty flag for unsportsmanlike conduct. And Branch’s day was over. It was a tough turn of events for the Lions in a game where first place in the NFC North was on the line.

The 30 yards of penalties moved the ball from the Green Bay 38-yard line to the Detroit 32. And the Lions lost a key starting defender with the ejection of Branch.

The Packers were unable to capitalize on the penalties. The drive ended with a missed 46-yard field goal attempt by Brandon McManus and Detroit led 17-3 at halftime.

Tom Brady critical of deportation: ‘I don’t like that phone call at all’

The NFC North showdown drew Fox’s top broadcast talent, including Tom Brady as color commentator and Dean Blandino as rules analyst.

During the call, Blandino said, “The officials called the foul. They can decide to be ejected. This is happening so late, this had to come from New York. [replay officials]. They look at it. They decided that the hit was raised to the level of disqualification.”

Brady responded: “I don’t like that decision at all. Obviously it’s a penalty, but to me that has to be a serious intention in a game like this.”

Brady’s criticism could raise some eyebrows, as the terms of his approved minority ownership of the Las Vegas Raiders prevent him from criticizing the running of the NFL.