Derrick Barnes emphasizes player responsibility after Lions' loss to Bills

Following a 41–31 defeat to the Buffalo Bills on September 17, Detroit Lions linebacker Derrick Barnes addressed concerns regarding the team's defensive performance. He attributed the collapse not to defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard's schemes but to the players' execution on the field. Barnes stated that defenders must focus on their responsibilities to make plays, regardless of the play calls. The Lions struggled in the first half, allowing the Bills to score 21 points in quick succession. Despite a second-half effort that saw Detroit score 21 points, Barnes expressed frustration with the defense's inability to make crucial stops.

• 2:47 PMYahoo Sports — Derrick Barnes Pushes Back on Blaming Kelvin Sheppard for Lions’ Defensive Collapse