The Detroit Lions' roster has played in many big primetime NFL games this season.
Even though many are inexperienced in the postseason, the young players feel ready for the future challenges that await the team.
Defensive back Brian Branch ended his first regular season ranking fourth among qualified rookie defensive backs with a PFF coverage grade of 76.0 and second in interceptions (3) and pass breakups (11) for first-year defenders.
“It’s a huge honor, I feel like. Not too many teams are playing right now, and the fact that we’re still alive in this hunt, that shows off our hard work and how much time we’ve spent with this," Branch told All Lions after practice Thursday, when asked about the Lions being part of the postseason. "Now it’s just, it’s win or go home. I ain’t trying to go home.”
The Los Angeles Rams, who turned around their season after entering their bye week with a record of 3-6.
Detroit's talented defensive back understands that the playoffs is a step up in competition level.
“Now, teams are gonna be better," said Branch. "Receivers are gonna be better, of course. Shoot, we’re all we got right now. We’ve been playing this game for a long time and our chemistry has built overall during the season, it’s grown. I feel like we’re ready.
“Treat it like a regular game. We’ve played in primetime a lot of times this year. Another primetime game.”
The Rams offense is dynamic, led by former Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford.
Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua are among the most dynamic receiving tandem in the league.
“Kupp and Nacua, they’re very talented. Kupp is one of the receivers that I’ve been watching, before I even came to the league," said Branch. "Nacua, he’s having a fantastic year. Just great receivers.”
Throughout his rookie season, Detroit's second round draft pick has learned to take care of himself physically much better and revealed that his film watching and what he gleamed from his time studying improved throughout the season.
“Just learning how to be a pro," said Branch. "There was some stuff that I wasn’t doing early on, like how I watched film. I got better at watching film in a way. And just taking care of my body.”
Like many of the first or second-year players, the anticipation of playing in front of the crowd at Ford Filed is enticing.
“I know it’s gonna be ecstatic. Just being out there in that environment," he said. "First playoff game in how long? 30 years? Yeah, it’s gonna be rocking, too. I’m ready to see that environment.”
Nick Saban's retirement
Detroit's active roster has several players who were coached by former Alabama Crimson Tide head man Nick Saban.
Saban, who won a total of seven national championships, decided to retire after losing to the Michigan Wolverines in the College Football Playoff.
Many of Saban's players have expressed their gratitude and reflected on working with one of the all-time great football coaches.
“Just the GOAT, you know? He taught me a lot of things that stuck with me, on and off the field," Branch expressed. "One of them that really stuck with me is, he taught me the mentality of how to work for everything. Nothing’s given, you’ve just got to go and get it. Him molding that mindset into me, I feel like will take me a long way.”
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