Overview
- Kelvin Sheppard said the current system remains the foundation and stressed week-to-week adaptability over wholesale schematic changes.
- The Lions’ defense fell to tied 22nd in points allowed, 18th in total defense and 20th in takeaways after top-10 finishes the prior year.
- Detroit allowed 31.6 points and 458.6 yards per game over a five-game late-season stretch that defined its decline.
- Injuries to key defensive backs, including Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph, pushed Detroit toward more zone looks down the stretch.
- Dan Campbell praised Sheppard’s growth but did not commit to his 2026 role, with a season finale remaining at Chicago on Sunday.