Suspended Brian Branch serves as major motivation for furious Lions' victory

The Detroit Lions were over a week removed from losing Brian Branch to suspension after an unfortunate incident after a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, but that doesn't mean the player was far from anyone's mind.

Defensively, the Lions had a strong effort against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, holding them to just 251 yards and nine points while collecting two interceptions. The secondary helped drive that resurgent result, and the spirit of Branch was a big reason why.

Cornerback Amik Robertson, who enjoyed a solid game in his own right, showed up to his postgame press conference wearing Branch's No. 32. In fact, all of Detroit's defensive backs were representing Branch. It was a major show of support for the player that was forced to watch the game from home this week.

"That was our goal, to go out there and support him because we're always in his corner. Great player, an unbelievable person, (and a) great teammate. We wanted to go out there and represent him. We step in the building, we want him to know that we're in his corner no matter what. We love him. We can't wait to have him back."

Funny enough, the defensive backs had to chip in their own money to buy the jersey. According to Robertson, that fact didn't matter in the end because the point of the act was to show brotherhood.

"I mean, it's all good. Money can't buy loyalty. We're very loyal to him. We wanted to come out here and once we step foot in the building, we wanted to show everybody and show him that we love him. We're not worrying about whatever, we moved on and we can't wait to have him back."

The Lions moved on with a victory as well as an even stronger bond. They may have also discovered some hidden gems in their depth as a result of Branch's absence. That's not too bad for a day's work.

Lions fans rally around Branch following Monday Night Football suspension

It wasn't just the Lions' defensive backs who were supporting Branch before and after the game. Fans have been in his corner as well following the suspension, and that was on display prior to the game. Not only did they defend him on the internet and otherwise following the incident, but they took to the streets to show the levels of their support this eek.

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Local 4's Hobie Artigue was roaming the grounds around Ford Field prior to the game and found a funny sight. A pair of devoted Lions fans brought actual tree branches to the game to show their solidarity with the suspended Branch.