At the final open practice on Wednesday, the defense defeated the offense 32-27 in a practice game between the offense and defense of the first team.
“I feel like everything is very well-organized,” linebacker and defensive leader Alex Anzalone told detroitlions.com after practice. “That’s how I would describe it. The D-line is well-organized. The linebackers are well-organized. The defensive players are well-organized for the most part. Obviously we have to do some drills with the injured guys (e.g. DJ Reader), but it just feels like everything is well-organized overall.”
Branch’s move from nickelback to safety has given him a slightly different perspective on defense and he’s really impressed with what he sees in front of him now, especially the front seven.
“The sky’s the limit. It’s scary what potential our defense can have,” Branch said after practice. “We just have to keep working on it.”
Branch said the front seven players have a chance to become one of the best units in the league and that the secondary can make big jumps after ranking only 27th in pass defense last season.
It’s definitely been evident since training camp began that there’s a different energy and more confidence on that side of the football, and the defensive linemen can’t wait to show how good they can be in the first home game on September 8th.
