Kelvin Sheppard didn’t inherit a blank slate — he inherited expectations. Taking over a defense built under Aaron Glenn, and navigating a season riddled with injuries, inconsistency and flashes of dominance, Sheppard’s first year as coordinator became a test of adjustments, resilience and results.
The report cards have gone out for the players. Now it is time to evaluate the coaches.
Today, the focus shifts to defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard. Sheppard stepped into the role last season after replacing Aaron Glenn, who left significant shoes to fill when he departed to become head coach of the New York Jets.
First half (Weeks 1-9)
Through the first eight weeks, Detroit went 5-3, highlighted by wins over the Chicago Bears, Baltimore Ravens and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The season opener at Green Bay was rocky. Jordan Love carved up the Lions’ secondary, throwing two touchdown passes with just six incompletions and posting a 128.6 passer rating. Detroit allowed 27 points but responded with four straight victories.
The defensive rebound began against Chicago. The Lions limited the Bears to 21 points, forced two turnovers and recorded four sacks. The following week in Baltimore may have been Sheppard’s best early performance. Detroit registered a season-high seven sacks and forced two fumbles in a statement road win.
Victories over Cleveland and Cincinnati followed before a setback against Kansas City. Patrick Mahomes accounted for four touchdowns and 289 total yards. Although Detroit recorded three sacks, it managed just three quarterback hits overall. The Chiefs scored 30 points, punted only once and handed the Lions a 30-17 loss. It was also the final game of the season for safety Kerby Joseph.
The next test came against Tampa Bay, and the Lions were severely shorthanded. Brian Branch, Joseph, Terrion Arnold and DJ Reed were all out. Practice squad call-ups and undrafted free agents were forced into major roles.
What followed was one of Sheppard’s finest efforts. Dubbed the “Legion of Whom,” the patchwork secondary held Baker Mayfield to 28-of-50 passing with one interception. Detroit limited a 5-2 Buccaneers team to just nine points, recorded four sacks and deflected 12 passes in a masterclass performance.
The momentum did not last. Detroit dropped a home game to a struggling Minnesota Vikings team, allowing 27 points in a disappointing loss.
Second half (Weeks 10-18)
The second half proved more turbulent.
From Weeks 10-14, Aidan Hutchinson recorded just 1.5 sacks before regaining form with six sacks over the final four games. Detroit handled the Washington Commanders and backup quarterback Marcus Mariota, then lost a defensive battle to the Philadelphia Eagles. In that game, the Lions held Philadelphia to 16 points, and Jalen Hurts completed just 50% of his passes. The offense managed only nine points, making it difficult to fault the defense.
Inconsistency defined the stretch run. The Lions allowed 27 points to the New York Giants and needed overtime to escape. Two trick plays resulted in explosive scores, and Jameis Winston threw for 412 yards. A breakout performance from Jahmyr Gibbs ultimately salvaged the game.
Following that win, Detroit went 1-4 over its next five contests, effectively ending its playoff hopes.
Green Bay scored 31 points on Thanksgiving. The low point came against the Los Angeles Rams, when Matthew Stafford threw for 368 yards in a 41-point outburst. Rams running backs added 149 rushing yards on 26 carries. The defensive collapse marked a turning point in the season.
Injuries continued to mount. Without Joseph, Branch and Arnold, the Lions allowed 29 points in a loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers and 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers. A subsequent loss to Minnesota sealed Detroit’s postseason fate.
The Lions closed the season on a positive note in Week 18, holding the second-seeded Bears to 16 points in a meaningless finale to complete a season sweep.
Final verdict
Injuries to the secondary were significant. Detroit also experienced production dips from veterans such as Alex Anzalone and DJ Reader. Hutchinson finished with 14.5 sacks, and Al-Quadin Muhammad enjoyed a breakout season with a career-high 11.5 sacks.
Statistically, the defense ranked in the bottom half of the league: 331.9 total yards allowed per game (18th), 217.4 passing yards (20th), 114.5 rushing yards (14th) and 24.3 points per game (22nd).
While injuries were a factor, the defense often struggled to adjust and maintain consistency. Sheppard did not fail outright, but he also did not elevate the unit beyond its circumstances.
Final grade: C+.