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Kelvin Sheppard defends defense after Lions' loss to Panthers

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 8, 2026, 8:50 PM

Last updated Oct 8, 2026

Kelvin Sheppard defends defense after Lions' loss to Panthers

Summary

Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard faced criticism following the team's defensive struggles in a recent loss to the Carolina Panthers. The Lions, allowing an average of 31.8 points per game, were unable to contain Panthers quarterback Bryce Young, who passed for 329 yards and two touchdowns. Sheppard insisted during a news conference that his blitz calls were correct, despite their poor execution. The Lions, currently 2-2, will face the Arizona Cardinals next, as they seek to improve their defensive cohesion ahead of the matchup.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•Lions rank second to last in points allowed per game.
•Bryce Young completed 9-of-11 passes against Detroit's blitz.
•Detroit prepares for a road game against Arizona next.
•Sheppard emphasizes the need for small defensive adjustments.
•Lions hope to return Pro Bowl safety Brian Branch soon.

Latest Updates

9:53 PMYahoo Sports — Why Lions DC Kelvin Sheppard’s blitz answer may concern fans before Cardinals game
8:50 PMYahoo Sports — DC Kelvin Sheppard doubles down on blitzes that burned Lions in loss to Panthers: 'Those calls were the right calls'

What they're saying

"
Kelvin Sheppard met reporters for his weekly news conference on Thursday, after the Carolina Panthers piled up 32 points, 28 first downs and 445 total yards against his defense in a 32-26 win on Sunday night. The Detroit Lions sit at 2-2, and the unit Sheppard coordinates has allowed a league-high 1,695 yards through four […] The post Why Lions DC Kelvin Sheppard’s blitz answer may concern fans before Cardinals game appeared first on Gridiron Heroics.
— Yahoo Sports