Sheppard said his anger with the defensive performance subsided after reviewing the tape. Regardless, the first-year coordinator was still pretty fired up with some of the defense's shortcomings from a season-opening loss to Green Bay.
I wish Sheppard well, and think he has been prepared for this role. But at such an early point in his career, he needs to be careful in public until he is experienced enough to be honest without making himself the story.
Was I scared? Not in the slightest. I've known Kelvin Sheppard for five years, and longer if we count his brief stint here as a player. I've sat down with him for long one-on-one stories and talked to him plenty of times off the record. I know the person, and I know some of his moods. And even if I didn't, I'm covering a game, not a war zone. I couldn't imagine being afraid to ask a question, which is why I asked a couple more during the session.
Appreciate the answer! I assumed that's a comfortable position for you but I just imagined myself trying to ask a question and getting that kind of response from Shep. AG seemed like a quiet kind of intense but there is nothing quiet about Shep.
Goes right back to the hard knocks episode in the linebacker room. The Lions now have the type of player that will respond positively to getting called out, if you can even call it that. That is what accountability is. Love it.
It’s one thing to be open and critical behind closed doors, but I’m surprised he was so open with the media.
We’ve seen several cases in the past how players don’t respond well to getting called out publicly and I’m wondering if the players will respond appropriately or if he’ll lose the room since he’s a new DC
It’s a fair point but I think he has the pulse of his guys and being a former player understands what’s it’s like to be in their shoes. And if he gets it wrong DC will step in I think.
I think it’s fair to say players need to execute, but what if a player is not capable of executing the plan? That is on coaching. Detroits LBs, particularly Campbell, are not the most effective blitzers, so I think it’s on Shep to change the calls rather than expect LB blitz efficiency to suddenly improve.
I would say that it's discouraging to think that a LB with Campbell's size, rare athleticism and football IQ is incapable of blitzing. Why he's struggled with it is a valid question. He's a downhill player by nature. It should come somewhat naturally, although you still have to beat the blocks. I think that putting it on coaching to figure it out is more reasonable than abandoning the concept.
When i watched the all22 replay there were several plays where it looked like Campbell was "over reading" (if that's a term) seemed like he paused for a beat or two before he let the blitz rip...maybe that was planned, but, to my amateur eye, it gave the Packers Oline half a step to get set to handle him... thoughts?
I wish Sheppard well, and think he has been prepared for this role. But at such an early point in his career, he needs to be careful in public until he is experienced enough to be honest without making himself the story.
I always enjoyed working with and for a direct talking person. No communication errors allowed. Just results.
Two parter:
1) Was that your question about Joseph biting down on an over route, and, if so,
2) Were you scared when Shep cut you off to say "Kerb did was he was supposed to do" for the second time?
Dude is intense, man.
Yes, it was my question.
Was I scared? Not in the slightest. I've known Kelvin Sheppard for five years, and longer if we count his brief stint here as a player. I've sat down with him for long one-on-one stories and talked to him plenty of times off the record. I know the person, and I know some of his moods. And even if I didn't, I'm covering a game, not a war zone. I couldn't imagine being afraid to ask a question, which is why I asked a couple more during the session.
Appreciate the answer! I assumed that's a comfortable position for you but I just imagined myself trying to ask a question and getting that kind of response from Shep. AG seemed like a quiet kind of intense but there is nothing quiet about Shep.
Seems like a lot of blaming the players. A big difference from DC taking responsibility. Am I reading your quotes wrong?
Good one. Go Shep!
Goes right back to the hard knocks episode in the linebacker room. The Lions now have the type of player that will respond positively to getting called out, if you can even call it that. That is what accountability is. Love it.
A "tight-wound plan" from a tightly wound coordinator. I love it. Lots of faith in KS and this unit. Now go do it.
It’s one thing to be open and critical behind closed doors, but I’m surprised he was so open with the media.
We’ve seen several cases in the past how players don’t respond well to getting called out publicly and I’m wondering if the players will respond appropriately or if he’ll lose the room since he’s a new DC
It’s a fair point but I think he has the pulse of his guys and being a former player understands what’s it’s like to be in their shoes. And if he gets it wrong DC will step in I think.
Wow, I appreciate the unvarnished language from him. Hope the players do as well.
I think it’s fair to say players need to execute, but what if a player is not capable of executing the plan? That is on coaching. Detroits LBs, particularly Campbell, are not the most effective blitzers, so I think it’s on Shep to change the calls rather than expect LB blitz efficiency to suddenly improve.
I would say that it's discouraging to think that a LB with Campbell's size, rare athleticism and football IQ is incapable of blitzing. Why he's struggled with it is a valid question. He's a downhill player by nature. It should come somewhat naturally, although you still have to beat the blocks. I think that putting it on coaching to figure it out is more reasonable than abandoning the concept.
When i watched the all22 replay there were several plays where it looked like Campbell was "over reading" (if that's a term) seemed like he paused for a beat or two before he let the blitz rip...maybe that was planned, but, to my amateur eye, it gave the Packers Oline half a step to get set to handle him... thoughts?
He did say something about simplifying things so they could play faster.