ALLEN PARK — While the final preseason game is Friday at Carolina, forgive the Detroit Lions if they’re overlooking that game. Of course, it’s key for evaluations and could help determine who earns a roster spot.
Still the clock is ticking until the regular season opener at the Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday, Sept. 7.
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes and the gang are coming off a Super Bowl season, their second in four years. The Lions haven’t won a playoff game since 1993 – but that was the old Lions. This talented new bunch is looking to make a statement.
“I’ve been thinking about Mahomes since last week. I think I’m going to start watching film on them this week, just to see what their tendencies are,’’ rookie safety Brian Branch said on Wednesday. “They’ve got a great quarterback, we also go against a great quarterback here (Jared Goff(. I feel he’s prepared us, we’ll see.’’
Branch, second-round pick out of Alabama, feels he’s improved and learned much since the start of training camp and the OTAs. He had an interception on Wednesday, the last day of training camp. During Tuesday’s full contact inter squad practice he made a handful of huge plays.
Branch said playing for the Crimson Tide helped prepare him for the NFL.
“Alabama has prepared me tremendously. Being at a school like that you’re not necessarily a pro but a ‘baby pro’ in a way you have to learn to do things on your own when coaches aren’t around,’’ Branch said. “Being used to that, I feel like it’s helped me take this to the next level.’’
Explosive running back Jahmyr Gibbs, his former teammate at Alabama, could give the Chiefs’ defense a few problems.
“Jahmyr is my dog. The stuff you are just now seeing I’ve been seeing at Alabama,’’ Branch said. “It’s not new to me, I know what he’s capable of doing. I expect big things from Jahmyr.’’
UP NEXT: The Lions play their final preseason game at the Carolina Panthers at 8 p.m. on Friday. Final roster cuts are due at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 29.
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