Lions S Brian Branch ejected for helmet-to-helmet hit vs. Packers, flips double birds to Lambeau Field on his 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 that Detroit eventually won, 24-14.

After he was flagged, he drew another penalty for flipping double birds to the Lambeau Field crowd on his way out.

The hit took place in the second quarter as Detroit held a 7-3 lead. Packers QB Jordan Love targeted Bo Melton on a downfield pass near the left sideline. Branch had help on the play in deep coverage. Melton dropped the ball, and Branch dove at Melton after the ball hit the ground.

Branch speared Melton in the facemask with the crown of his helmet, immediately drawing a penalty flag for unnecessary roughness.

After reviewing the play, officials disqualified Branch from the game. Branch was perplexed, and he and his teammates argued the decision with officials.

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

This drew another penalty flag for unsportsmanlike conduct. And Branch’s day was done. It was a tough turn of events for the Lions in a game with first place in the NFC North at stake.

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 Branch’s ejection.

The Packers couldn’t 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 ejection — ‘I don’t love that call at all’

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

On the call, Blandino said, “The officials called the foul. They can decide to eject. This happens so late, this had to come from New York [replay officials]. They’re looking at it. They decided that the hit raised to the level of a disqualification.”

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

The criticism from Brady might raise some eyebrows considering the terms of his approved minority ownership of the Las Vegas Raiders prevents him from criticizing NFL officiating.