After a 34-7 preseason loss to the Chargers, the Detroit Lions' 2024 camp heats up with scuffles between Amon-Ra St. Brown and Brian Branch. See the response.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
One game was a blowout loss, the next practice was a slugfest. That's the story in Allen Park, where the Detroit Lions are working to erase the memory of a sloppy 34-7 preseason loss to the Chargers. The response? A series of intense, chippy practices highlighted by multiple scuffles between All-Pro receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and defensive standout Brian Branch, proving this team's competitive fire is burning hotter than ever.
Things got so heated between All-Pro WR Amon-Ra St. Brown and DB Brian Branch that they had to be separated on several occasions.
Let's not sugarcoat it: the Hall of Fame Game was ugly. The Lions committed five turnovers in a 34-7 drubbing by the Los Angeles Chargers. With the starters resting, the offense sputtered under backup QB K. Allen, who threw two interceptions. The lone bright spot was a Craig Reynolds touchdown run. Defensively, the unit couldn't force a single turnover and allowed Chargers QB Trey Lance to toss two touchdowns. It was a performance to forget, and a stark reminder of how quickly things can go wrong without discipline.
If the game was a disappointment, the team's response was anything but. In the practices that followed, the intensity was palpable. Amon-Ra St. Brown and Brian Branch went at it like it was the NFC Championship, their repeated clashes forcing Coach Dan Campbell to pause practice and preach controlled aggression. It's the exact brand of 'grit' the team promotes, with rookie OL Tate Ratledge also impressing with his physicality. While the coaches want fewer flags, you have to love seeing the team's leaders refusing to accept the previous game's poor standard.
While the battles raged on the field, the Lions got a massive boost on the sideline. Veteran left tackle Taylor Decker was officially reinstated from the PUP list on Sunday, just in time for the start of padded practices. His return solidifies an elite offensive line and is a huge sigh of relief for the organization. In other roster news, GM Brad Holmes continued to tinker, signing versatile offensive lineman Justin Herron for depth and waiving defensive lineman Raequan Williams.
It wasn't all good news, however. The injury bug continues to hover over Allen Park. During recent sessions, linebacker Derrick Barnes (hand) and first-round pick Terrion Arnold (leg) both left practice early and are being evaluated. Their status joins a growing list of concerns, with key contributors like LB Malcolm Rodriguez (knee) and DL Mekhi Wingo (knee) still sidelined on the PUP list with uncertain return dates. Health will be a major storyline to watch as the physicality of camp ramps up.
The Hall of Fame Game was an undeniable dud, but it's just one preseason game. The real story is the team's reaction. The fire shown in practice, spearheaded by leaders like St. Brown and Branch, is exactly what you want to see. With Taylor Decker back to anchor the line and padded practices beginning, the intensity will only ramp up. Now, the challenge for Dan Campbell is to harness that ferocity, clean up the mistakes, and get key players healthy. The next preseason game will be a crucial test to see if this team can turn that practice-field grit into game-day dominance.
