Brian Branch ejected: Lions DB was ejected from the Lions-Packers game in Week 9

The Detroit Lions defeated the Green Bay Packers, 24-14, in a key NFC North showdown at Lambeau Field on Sunday.

With the win, the Lions own a one-game lead in the most competitive division in the NFL over the Minnesota Vikings and a game and a half over the rival Packers.

The Lions prevailed despite playing without one of their best defensive players — safety Brian Branch — for the second half. Here's why:

Brian Branch ejection

The second-year safety was ejected from the game with 6:18 left in the second quarter for his hit on Green Bay Packers wide receiver Bo Melton.

The hit came on a second-and-20 for the Packers from their own 38-yard line. Green Bay was driving but was just pushed back by a holding penalty.

Branch was initially flagged for unnecessary roughness for the hit but was later ejected after review by the NFL's replay officials in New York.

On the game broadcast, Fox's NFL rules expert, Dean Blandino, explained why the choice was made.

“They’re looking at it, they decided that the hit raised to the level of a disqualification," he said.

The color analyst for Fox's broadcast of this game - Tom Brady - didn't understand the ejection.

"I don't love that call at all," he said after Blandino's explanation. "I mean obviously it's a penalty but, to me, there has to be serious intent in a game like this... they're gonna have to adjust the rest of the game losing their best defensive player, who I know they were expecting to have a huge day today. Not an easy guy to replace."

As a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders, Brady may come under fire for that commentary. His restrictions as a broadcaster include not publicly criticizing game officials. Technically, this decision was made by replay officials, not game officials, so he may be off scot-free for his opinion.

Brian Branch stats

Branch has 40 total tackles (including two for loss), four interceptions, a team-high 11 passes defended, and one forced fumble this season.

Who replaced Brian Branch?

Brandon Joseph came into the game after Branch's ejection and will likely take most of the snaps for the rest of the contest.

(This story was updated to add new information.)

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Lions' Brian Branch ejected after high hit vs. Packers