ALLEN PARK, Mich. – Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff, defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, Graham Glasgow, and safety Brian Branch shared their thoughts on the team’s progress and upcoming challenges as the Minnesota Vikings come into town for their Week 9 showdown inside Ford Field.
Goff described the team as being “right in the middle” of a crucial stretch of games, emphasizing the importance of winning tough matchups starting with Minnesota after their bye week.
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He highlighted the need for better execution on third downs, noting that last week’s performance showed room for improvement in converting key plays.
Goff also praised the growth of young offensive linemen Christian Mahogany and Tate Ratledge, saying they have become much more comfortable and are now in a good rhythm.
When asked about wide receiver Jameson Williams’ role, Goff expressed a desire to get him more involved, recognizing his explosiveness and the attention he draws from defenses.
Regarding the upcoming game against the Vikings, Goff stressed the importance of winning division games and acknowledged the Vikings as a well-coached, talented team.
Defensive end Aidan Hutchinson spoke about facing former Michigan Wolverines teammate and current Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy, describing their relationship as friendly and competitive.
Hutchinson shared his excitement about facing his former college teammate in McCarthy on the field this week.
“It’ll be exciting,” said Hutchinson. “We have a great relationship, and I probably got to shoot him a text this week letting him know. I’m super excited. He’s a great competitor, great player, and I’m looking forward to it.”
Hutchinson reflected on their shared college experience, noting how he practiced against him, worked with him, and won with him under center.
But it was an awesome feeling for both teams to be playing each other in the National Football League.
Hutchinson acknowledged the uniqueness of their upcoming matchup.
“It’s always weird how some of the guys you play with just keep continuing to show up. Now, me and JJ will get our first matchup, if you want to call it that. It’s going to be fun. I’m sure we’ll laugh a little bit out there, and yeah, it’ll be great,” Hutchinson said.
Hutchinson praised the return of Branch to the defense, calling him the “heart and soul” and a tone setter for the team.
He expressed enthusiasm about having Branch back on the field after a two-week break.
“It’s great. BB’s got two weeks off now, so he’s got fresh legs. He’s ready to go,” Hutchinson said. “He’s one of those guys on our defense who’s really the heart and soul and the tone setter. Can’t wait to have him back.”
Hutchinson also highlighted the electric energy brought by defensive tackle Alim McNeill in his recent return vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday Night Football.
“It was so electric being out there with him and feeling his pressure. That kind of bleeds over when you have multiple guys on the defensive line getting pressure. It makes your defense so much more dynamic,” Hutchinson said.
Hutchinson noted McNeill’s impressive performance, especially considering he hadn’t played football for about nine or ten months.
Discussing how opponents respond, Hutchinson said, “Tampa had to spend most of the night double-teaming, even triple-teaming Alim, proving he can dominate one-on-ones. That might create more one-on-one opportunities for me.”
Hutchinson explained how interior pressure from players like McNeill helps push quarterbacks toward the edge rushers, increasing the chances of sacks.
“It works hand in hand. It helps everybody get more production, whether it’s the defensive tackles or the edge players. It’s really a race to who can get there first or whoever applies that pressure,” Hutchinson said.
He also discussed the impact of teammate Al-Quadin Muhammad, who has elevated his play and added a new dimension to the Lions’ pass rush.
Hutchinson noted the adaptability of defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard and the defense’s ongoing evolution as they prepare for each new game.
Glasgow emphasized the importance of communication, not just within the offensive line but also in reading the defense.
“The communication isn’t just between the line. It’s also just reading what the defense has given you, making the points and stuff like that,” said Glasgow. “Overall, between us and Jared, I think he’s been good.”
Glasgow acknowledged the challenge of facing a tough opponent like Minnesota but expressed confidence in the team’s preparation.
“It’s a challenge, but I think we’ll be fine by the time the game comes around,” Glasgow said.
On a more personal note, Glasgow reflected on fitting in with the younger players on the team.
“They’re good kids. They’re nice guys,” he said. “I don’t even feel super old. Maybe I am old, I don’t know. But I think things have been going well.”
Glasgow joked about relating to the 22-year-olds despite being 33 and shared a humorous moment about explaining the band Linkin Park to a younger teammate.
“The other day, I had to explain to Penei (Sewell) who Linkin Park was. I was like, ‘You know who Jay-Z is? They did a collaboration with Jay-Z at one point. They were a pretty big deal.’ He didn’t really get it,” Glasgow said. “We played only Linkin Park songs in the weight room that day.”
Branch described the difficulty of missing the Monday Night Football game due to suspension, but expressed relief and motivation upon returning to the field.
“It was very difficult just being out there with my guys, my brothers. I wasn’t able to help contribute to a win, but I’m glad we got the W,” said Branch.
Branch admitted he couldn’t bring himself to watch the game while sidelined, saying, “Watching them would make me miss being out there. That’s something that’s hard. I would be eager to get out there.”
He praised his teammates for wearing his jersey during his absence.
“I love them. They notice where I stand with them. I die out there for those boys. I play as hard as I can to help us. I scratch and claw. I’ll go to war with them pretty much,” Branch said.
Reflecting on his suspension, Branch took responsibility and expressed regret.
“I want to apologize for that. That’s something I don’t condone, and it’ll never happen again. It definitely added another chip to my shoulder,” Branch said.
When asked about balancing his fiery nature on the field, Branch said, “I get caught playing with too much emotion, and that brought me to that. I still play with fire, but just between the whistle. Now we’re going on the playoff run, so none of that.”
Branch shared how he’s learning to control his emotions, with guidance from coaches.
“They try to pick at me during plays to get me out of my shell, but they tell me to still play with fire and just not retaliate. Play between the whistle,” Branch said.
Branch also revealed he talks to a counselor, humorously mentioning, “I talked to where I take my dog for boarding. His name is Mr. Preacher, and he’s helped me a long way.”
He announced a personal milestone: “I actually get baptized this Wednesday.”
Branch appreciated the coaching staff’s public support during his suspension.
“It means a lot. I feel like I shot our team in the foot with what I did, and for them to have my back, I love them for that. I go to war for them any day of the week,” Branch said.
Looking ahead to his return, Branch promised fans “relentless effort and aggression.”
Branch also praised teammates who stepped up in his absence, saying, “The whole secondary played better than we played all year. I was too eager to get back out.”
On his baptism, Branch shared, “I feel like I got a new relief. I feel like I need to be saved by God. I’ve been going through a time like that. It’s a new relief.”
Branch clarified that the baptism was not prompted by the suspension but was perfect timing.
He said the baptism will be performed by “Mr. Preacher,” the preacher at the place where he boards his dog, and it is scheduled for Wednesday.
Safety Brian Branch reflected on the difficulty of missing a recent game due to suspension, but expressed motivation to return stronger.
He appreciated the support from teammates who wore his jersey during his absence and emphasized his commitment to playing with fire while learning to control his emotions on the field.
Branch also shared a personal milestone, revealing he will be baptized soon as part of a new chapter in his life.
The 5-2 Lions will host the 3-4 Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 2, insideFord Field in a tough divisional showdown.