In the bustling atmosphere of the 2026 NFL Combine, Detroit Lions coordinators Drew Petzing and Kelvin Sheppard took center stage, offering insights into their strategies and reflections on the past season. Let's dive into the key takeaways from their media sessions, where they shared plans and reflections that could shape the Lions' future.
Defensive Coordinator Kelvin Sheppard
A Fresh Take on Self-Scouting
Self-scouting is a staple in the NFL, but this offseason, the Lions are taking a unique approach. Head coach Dan Campbell is deeply involved, particularly with the defense, aiming to fine-tune rather than overhaul. Sheppard highlighted a shift in their process, focusing on transparency and comprehensive analysis.
“We’re tearing off all the band-aids,” Sheppard explained, emphasizing a no-nonsense approach to identifying both strengths and weaknesses. The goal is clear: find solutions without sugarcoating or secrecy.
Third-and-10 Dilemmas
One glaring issue for the Lions was their struggle on third-and-long situations. Despite a solid performance on shorter third downs, they faltered on third-and-10 or more, allowing a 28.8% conversion rate. Sheppard acknowledged the need for better situational awareness and communication.
“It’s simple solutions,” he noted, taking responsibility for the gaps in execution. The focus will be on enhancing situational football understanding among players.
Tackling Explosive Plays
Explosive plays were another thorn in the Lions' side, with 105 plays exceeding their yardage benchmarks. Sheppard is determined to address this, planning to review these plays repeatedly throughout the offseason.
“It’s subtle things,” he remarked, suggesting that minor adjustments could make a significant difference. The aim is to refine details without a complete overhaul.
Offensive Coordinator Drew Petzing
Flexibility Over Heavy Sets
While the Cardinals favored heavy formations, Petzing and Campbell agree that the Lions will adapt based on their roster. Petzing stressed the importance of flexibility and using the best 11 players available, ready to adjust as needed throughout the season.
Trust in Player Acquisition
Petzing expressed confidence in GM Brad Holmes’ ability to assemble the right roster. His role, as he sees it, is to maximize the potential of the players he has, rather than pushing for specific acquisitions.
“It’s about making sure they hit their ceiling,” Petzing said, highlighting a collaborative approach in Detroit’s front office.
Efficiency as a Dynamic Goal
Efficiency in Petzing’s playbook is not a one-size-fits-all concept. Reflecting Campbell’s adaptable philosophy, Petzing emphasized tailoring strategies to each game’s demands.
“There are games where we need to stay on schedule,” he explained, while in others, explosive plays might be the key. This flexibility is crucial for maintaining a dynamic and unpredictable offense.
As the Lions gear up for the upcoming season, these insights from Sheppard and Petzing offer a glimpse into a team committed to growth, adaptability, and strategic refinement. With a focus on transparency and collaboration, the Lions are setting the stage for a promising future.