DETROIT -- Through seven weeks of NFL action, Kelvin Sheppard has earned universal praise -- and rightfully so -- for putting his stamp on the Detroit Lions defense as a first-time defensive coordinator.
But his coaching job on Monday night against a red-hot Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense was not only impressive, but also a masterclass considering what he had to work with.
Without his starting secondary, Sheppard dialed up a game plan that was effective in frustrating and confusing Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield all game long as the Lions cruised to a 24-9 win over the NFC South leaders on Monday Night Football.
Leading the charge were veteran cornerbacks Rock Ya-Sin and Amik Robertson, who filled in for Terrion Arnold (shoulder) and D.J. Reed (hamstring). At safety, Thomas Harper and Erick Hallett stepped in for Kerby Joseph (knee) and Brian Branch (suspension).
“It was just really a diverse game plan,” Lions cornerback Rock Ya-Sin told MLive. “We played some man, some zone, changed it up on them pre-snap -- a lot of disguise. The safeties played well, disguising. It was just a great game plan, man. D-line ate, linebackers were hunting, DBs came to play. All of them. But yeah, it was a hell of a game plan by Shep. Shout out to him, bro.”
Their efforts led to Mayfield having his worst game of the season, finishing with a 56 percent completion rate and a 66.1 passer rating -- his lowest of the season. The last time Mayfield had a passer rating lower than that was during a Week 6, 20-6 loss at Raymond James Stadium in 2023, which was also against the Lions.
Lions cornerback Nick Whiteside, an Auburn Hills native and Saginaw Valley State standout who’s had musical chairs with his stints on the practice squad and active roster, also saw action during the game, playing 48 snaps. He was the team’s highest-graded defender with at least 10 snaps, according to Pro Football Focus, with an 83.9 grade.
“I feel like (Sheppard) said this back in training camp. He was like, ‘Bro, we just hold the line. It don’t matter who’s out there -- we’re going to play what we play. The standard’s going to be the standard,’” Ya-Sin said. “That’s just how it goes. I mean, it don’t matter who’s out there, we’re going to hold the line.”
Defensive tackle Alim McNeill made his season debut on Monday night, playing both his first snap of NFL action since Week 15 of last season -- when he tore his ACL -- and his first under the new coordinator. Like Ya-Sin, he shared that he was “very impressed” with the scheme Sheppard dialed up.
“That’s Shep. That’s what he does,” McNeill said when talking to reporters at his locker. “He’s a guru -- he hates saying ‘guru’ stuff -- but he’s a guru. And that defense, that’s what he does. That’s his scheme.
“The stunts we’re running, the coverages we’re playing -- Shep’s a GOAT. He knows what he’s doing.”
McNeill might be on to something.
The Lions’ defensive production under Sheppard over the first half of the season is quite impressive.
As of Tuesday morning, the Lions are first in forced fumbles (nine), second in passes defended (42), tied for third in sacks (23), and tied for sixth in interceptions (eight). Along with that, for the first time since fumble data became available in 1999, the Lions have produced two sacks and a forced fumble in six straight games.
“Man, it’s amazing to see. When a group of guys gets the opportunity to go out there and put the NFL on notice, it’s amazing. I love to see it,” Lions linebacker Derrick Barnes said postgame. “Coach Shep always preaches -- if you’re dressed for the game, you’re ready to play, because you never know what can happen. It’s always a ‘next man up’ mentality for us, man. It’s just a beautiful thing to see.
“We always preach the same expectations for everybody -- no matter if you just got in last week or today. Expectations are high on our defense, the standard is high, and they went out and did that. I’m super proud of those guys.”
The praise for Sheppard’s coaching didn’t just come from his side of the ball, either, as members of the Lions offense took notice as well.
Jahmyr Gibbs, who took advantage of the sensational job by the Lions’ defense en route to a career day, was brief in his praise but said he wasn’t surprised that Sheppard had the unit ready to perform, even though they were undermanned.
“We always knew they were capable of doing that,” Gibbs said. “We practice against them every day in camp, and it was rough.”
When the Lions come out of their bye week, they’ll have a Nov. 2 home matchup against their division rival Minnesota Vikings.
By that time, Arnold, Joseph and Branch should be making their way back into the lineup, as well as possible edge rusher Marcus Davenport.
Reed will be eligible to return from injured reserve following the Vikings game, and reserve linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez may have his 21-day practice window start.
Simply put, the Lions’ defense has not even peaked yet. They don’t have all of their best players in the lineup, and despite that, they’re playing darn near elite football.
While it’s a credit to the players since they’re the ones on the field, Sheppard’s coaching on Monday is quickly turning him into a household name -- and right now, the Lions are benefiting tremendously.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.