Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard has acknowledged that his unit must produce immediate results after allowing 31.8 points per game through four weeks, the NFL’s second-highest mark. Detroit will look for that response Sunday in Arizona against the Cardinals.
What changed for the franchise
The Lions are 2-2, but their defense has become a major early-season concern after the Sunday night loss at Carolina. Detroit is surrendering an NFL-high 423.8 yards per game, a rate not seen over a full season since the 2012 New Orleans Saints allowed 440.1 yards per outing.
Opponents have scored touchdowns on 40.5% of their possessions against Detroit in 2026. That is the highest defensive touchdown rate recorded by any team in a season since at least 2000.
Sheppard said explanations will not matter unless the Lions begin showing improvement on game days.
“Right now, it is all talk,” Sheppard said Thursday. “Until it appears on Sunday and the proof is there during the game, it is just talk.”
He added that the defense did not do enough to help Detroit win in Carolina and said changes are required, whether they involve personnel, preparation or other adjustments.
“There needs to be genuine change and proof that it is changing,” Sheppard said. “This is nowhere near where we expected to be after training camp, or where we believe we should be after four games.”
Detroit’s problems have not started up front. The Lions rank second in the NFL with 75 quarterback pressures. Edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson is second league-wide with 28 pressures, while defensive tackle Alim McNeill has 15, tied for fourth among interior linemen.
Sheppard called the current defensive line the best he has worked with during his six seasons in Detroit, which began in 2021. He said the coverage and linebacker groups have failed to capitalize on the disruption created by the front.
“I told the defensive line that we have done them a disservice,” Sheppard said. “They have not been supported well enough on the back end for the defense to get the benefit of what they are doing.”
Head coach Dan Campbell has dismissed the prospect of replacing Sheppard, now in his second year as defensive coordinator. Still, pressure has increased as Detroit’s secondary has struggled after an offseason without major high-end additions to that position group.
The Lions are also waiting on defensive back Brian Branch, who is recovering from an Achilles injury. His return would provide a needed boost to a depleted back end, but Detroit needs more consistent play throughout its linebackers and secondary regardless of when he is available.
Next kickoff
The Lions visit the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET. Arizona enters the matchup at 1-3.
