Detroit Lions drop in USA TODAY NFL defense rankings

USA TODAY Sports shifted the Detroit Lions to the No. 19 spot in its updated NFL defense rankings, a nine-place decline from the June assessment. Defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard enters the season facing significant roster challenges in the secondary. Safeties Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch are both on the reserve/physically unable to perform list and will miss at least four games to start the season. Joseph is managing a degenerative knee issue, while Branch is recovering from a torn Achilles. The team also released cornerback Terrion Arnold during the offseason. The Lions expect to rely more heavily on their front seven, featuring Aidan Hutchinson, Alim McNeill, and Tyleik Williams, to mitigate the absences in the defensive backfield.

• 7:05 PMYahoo Sports — Lions tumble 9 spots in updated USA TODAY NFL defense rankings