Motivated Brian Branch fueled Lions' major defensive resurgence against Bears

Afterward, Branch knew the game was significant because it helped in setting the tone and showing that the Lions are still able to dominate a game when they are locked in start to finish.

"(That game was) very important. It showed us that we know what we're capable of doing. We know how good we are when we execute what (Kelvin) Sheppard calls. And coach called a great game. He put everybody in position to make plays even though there were still plays that we missed out on (and) I missed out on. Moving forward, we know we re-established our brand of football and I feel like this was an important game."

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Branch would go on to finish with six tackles, two tackles for-loss, one pass defended, one sack and one forced fumble, a result not seen in Detroit from a defensive back since 1999. It's easy to see his active role got the Lions going. They are a better team when Branch is positively engaged on defense.

Branch knows the value of Lions forcing multiple turnovers on defense

During Week 1's loss, the Lions were on their heels defensively. They were slow to react, and were pushed around at the point of attack. As a result, they didn't generate any turnovers, and were steamrolled.

The Bears game was different. Not only did the Lions generate stops and dictate the pace most of the game, they were able to get takeaways in order to not only stifle the opposition, but give their offense a chance to operate more efficiently.

Branch knows the value of turnovers, especially for a Detroit team that wants to give their elite offense as many cracks as possible to score during a game.

"It's huge. In this league, that's what it's about. Getting takeaways. Winning the turnover battle. (Dan) Campbell and (Kelvin) Sheppard, all our coaches preach that. No matter what the offense is doing, defense has to force turnovers. When we force turnovers, it gives our offense another chance to go score. Just giving them more opportunities, that's what we're supposed to do."

The Lions managed to step up when they needed to most against the Bears. If Branch has this kind of effort other weeks, it will make Detroit's defense very difficult to deal with.