As it has been the case after every single game of the season, all eyes are on Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard. Following another disastrous defensive performance by the Lions, against a limited, short-handed Panthers offense, Sheppard is at the center of all criticism. Given that the Lions defense has allowed more yards than the 0-16 Lions team through the first four weeks of the season, this is understandable.
Yet, the team isn't willing to give up on Sheppard. In addition to Dan Campbell standing behind Sheppard after the game, several Lions defenders showed their support for their coach on thin ice.
Jack Campbell & DJ Reed continue to believe in Kelvin Sheppard
Star linebacker Jack Campbell said that it's the players' responsibility to "make the scheme come alive" and took the blame for the defensive struggles. He said that Sheppard works hard and added, "Dan believes in him. I believe in him. He's made of the right stuff," per team insider Nolan Bianchi.
This sentiment was shared by veteran cornerback DJ Reed. When he was asked about the team's defensive identity by The Athletic's Colton Pouncy, he said, "whatever Coach Shepp calls, we got to get it done. And honestly, he's doing a great job... The guys, the 11, we're just not executing."
On the one hand, it's positive that the players are taking responsibility. They know that they haven't been playing well and are aware that they have to be better individually.
On the other hand, if most of the players on a defensive unit are playing well below expectations, then it gets hard to blame the players.
Besides Aidan Hutchinson, and maybe Alim McNeill and Tyleik Williams, there isn't a defender on the team who has played above expectations. The Lions rank near the bottom in almost all defensive metrics, including points and yards allowed, explosive play rate allowed, defensive success rate, touchdown rate allowed, and third-down conversion rate allowed.
It's not like the Lions have a long, proven track record of success under Sheppard. This was a below-average defensive unit last season. The defense was a disaster in the second half of the season. Injuries were surely a big part, but there is little evidence that Sheppard has the ability to turn things around.
Of course Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell aren't blameless. The defensive personnel isn't elite. The players could be playing better.
At the same time, everyone needs to be honest with themselves and one another. DC Sheppard is doing a poor job, and the quicker the coaching staff and the players realize that, the quicker this team can bounce back.
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