The Lions' defense is starting to earn a lot of respect as one of the better units in the NFL.
Detroit's defense ranks near the top of the league in total defense (fifth), scoring (10th), rushing (eighth), passing (eighth), third-down efficiency (34.4) and takeaways (fourth).
For the past few years, Detroit's offense has received a lot of the praise for Detroit's success, and for good reason, but it's the defense that's been the more consistent unit so far this season. They've elevated their play in 2025 in Sheppard's first season as coordinator.
"Well, I love where our defense is at right now," Lions head coach Dan Campbell said this week. "I think these guys are playing their tail off. I think there's a lot of versatility there. I think we challenge in all aspects, in all areas. And they're really playing strong right now and I love that."
Campbell said that he has a lot of trust in Sheppard and that side of the ball, and that allows him to continue to be aggressive offensively.
"So, that'll always give me faith in the fact that they're going to put out the fires," Campbell said. "And that's what you want, the defense that you know is going to put out the fires. So, I love it. It's great."