“The things that I truly learned, to be honest with you, is in the flow of a game, having to adjust on the run,” Sheppard said. “Say you’re going to the game and, ‘This is what we’re doing.’ Well, you can’t be hard-headed. If you get in that game and that’s not working, then what? …That’s kind of what I’ve learned and the ability to go articulate that to the players so they understand me. Not that we’re changing, but why we’re changing, and how we need them to change as the game progresses.”
This was 100% the issue this year. Glad to see him acknowledge it. Hopefully next year is better.
2024 (AG as DC): Lions finished in the top 10 in scoring, rushing defense and takeaways.
2025 (Shep as DC): Lions tied for 22nd in points allowed per game (24.8), 19th against the pass (218.1 yards), 16th against the run (117.6 yards), 20th in takeaways and 18th in total defense.
Guess I’m dumb but it just seems obvious to me that with Joseph, Branch, TA and Reed all hobbled or out completely….especially in the back half of the season…and I didn’t even mention Rake….of course we had problems…and especially with explosive plays. Scheme matters, of course but these are critical pieces. Looking ahead the big question is when and even whether we ever get these guys back.
I've noticed a lot of people online interpreting Shepp's comment about not making "drastic change" to mean he doesn't expect to see drastic change in performance. I doubt that's the case. Language is a tricky thing. Thanks for all this context, Justin.
Anyone see the IU Bama game? They announcers kept talking about the undersized IU line, and the line stunts that the D line used against Bama. We need to cut ties with d line coach, and get whoever is at IU. That smaller d line whipped Bama!
The “system” always makes me laugh since there are 2 base systems everyone runs 43 & 34 with Variations and Sub-Schemes nickel, dime, 46 defense and coverages on the backend Cover 1 man, Cover 3 zone, two-high safeties like Cover 2/4/6. Everyone does this, every d-coordinate coaches this. It’s all about the talent on the field for success. Does the talent on the field have the physical (speed) and mental ability (processing speed) to execute? The Lions defense has some but not nearly enough.
I think assuming that he will be back for a second year is irresponsible and dishonest.
What you omitted from that radio interview is when asked directly if Kelvin is coming back as defensive coordinator Dan Campbell said he hasn’t made any decisions yet.
I love Shep and come away impressed from every press conference of his. I fully expect him to have a bright coaching future in this league, ultimately culminating in a head coaching opportunity. In the meantime, I love the idea of bringing in a veteran defensive mind as a special assistant to provide another perspective / additional insight.
Seems like Shep will take a data driven systematic approach, which is always the best way to solve a complex problem.
I imagine the overall scheme isn't going to change unless Campbell wants it to change. I am worried the scheme itself leaves the team for little margin for error both down to down execution wise and game to game talent level wise (e.g. losing both safeties).
I wonder if Campbell will interview any outside candidates for spots on the defense coaching staff. Maybe even coordinator. Even with the injuries, there is a lot of talent on that side of the ball.
How about a self scout of why they’re near the top of the league for two years now with ir injuries? Do a medical forensic audit on everything from strength and conditioning to practice habits with everything in between.
“The things that I truly learned, to be honest with you, is in the flow of a game, having to adjust on the run,” Sheppard said. “Say you’re going to the game and, ‘This is what we’re doing.’ Well, you can’t be hard-headed. If you get in that game and that’s not working, then what? …That’s kind of what I’ve learned and the ability to go articulate that to the players so they understand me. Not that we’re changing, but why we’re changing, and how we need them to change as the game progresses.”
This was 100% the issue this year. Glad to see him acknowledge it. Hopefully next year is better.
2024 (AG as DC): Lions finished in the top 10 in scoring, rushing defense and takeaways.
2025 (Shep as DC): Lions tied for 22nd in points allowed per game (24.8), 19th against the pass (218.1 yards), 16th against the run (117.6 yards), 20th in takeaways and 18th in total defense.
Big time regression under Shep.
Guess I’m dumb but it just seems obvious to me that with Joseph, Branch, TA and Reed all hobbled or out completely….especially in the back half of the season…and I didn’t even mention Rake….of course we had problems…and especially with explosive plays. Scheme matters, of course but these are critical pieces. Looking ahead the big question is when and even whether we ever get these guys back.
Agree. Especially Kerby - still feel like they've never given a clear diagnosis for him.
I've noticed a lot of people online interpreting Shepp's comment about not making "drastic change" to mean he doesn't expect to see drastic change in performance. I doubt that's the case. Language is a tricky thing. Thanks for all this context, Justin.
Anyone see the IU Bama game? They announcers kept talking about the undersized IU line, and the line stunts that the D line used against Bama. We need to cut ties with d line coach, and get whoever is at IU. That smaller d line whipped Bama!
What are the chances that they find a former DC to come in and advise and help with the defense like they did when AG was a first time coordinator?
The “system” always makes me laugh since there are 2 base systems everyone runs 43 & 34 with Variations and Sub-Schemes nickel, dime, 46 defense and coverages on the backend Cover 1 man, Cover 3 zone, two-high safeties like Cover 2/4/6. Everyone does this, every d-coordinate coaches this. It’s all about the talent on the field for success. Does the talent on the field have the physical (speed) and mental ability (processing speed) to execute? The Lions defense has some but not nearly enough.
Coaches performance are judged based on the backup players more so than stars.
I think assuming that he will be back for a second year is irresponsible and dishonest.
What you omitted from that radio interview is when asked directly if Kelvin is coming back as defensive coordinator Dan Campbell said he hasn’t made any decisions yet.
“That’s a great question, Justin” - Shep
Damn right it was. Thank you, sir!
I love Shep and come away impressed from every press conference of his. I fully expect him to have a bright coaching future in this league, ultimately culminating in a head coaching opportunity. In the meantime, I love the idea of bringing in a veteran defensive mind as a special assistant to provide another perspective / additional insight.
HOPE hope hope going into the 69th year as a Lions fan.
Seems like Shep will take a data driven systematic approach, which is always the best way to solve a complex problem.
I imagine the overall scheme isn't going to change unless Campbell wants it to change. I am worried the scheme itself leaves the team for little margin for error both down to down execution wise and game to game talent level wise (e.g. losing both safeties).
Five years of mostly really poor defensive play and nothing is going to change.
I wonder if Campbell will interview any outside candidates for spots on the defense coaching staff. Maybe even coordinator. Even with the injuries, there is a lot of talent on that side of the ball.
How about a self scout of why they’re near the top of the league for two years now with ir injuries? Do a medical forensic audit on everything from strength and conditioning to practice habits with everything in between.
I think Justin addressed this earlier in the season...
He did.
Great article, Justin. Is there an unspoken assumption that Shep’s assistants will be reviewed?