Dan Campbell isn’t buying the idea that the Detroit Lions’ defensive issues are really a talent problem.
With a road trip to Arizona looming, Campbell said Friday the team put together a strong week of practice and expects to be ready for a pivotal matchup against the Cardinals. The bigger message, though, was about the defense’s recent breakdowns and what has to change before anyone starts pointing fingers at personnel.
“Oh yeah. Listen, I think our guys are ready to go.
I think they're going to be ready to go this game. I thought we had a good practice.
These guys continue to work at it, and I think we'll be ready to go. Listen, we can get this thing done," said Campbell.
"Right now, talent has got nothing to do with our issues. Until we clean up some of this other stuff, then we can talk about that at some point.
Once we do what we need to do and cut some of this crap in half, then we can talk about that.
"That's not our issue. That is not.
So, detail your work and be where you're supposed to be. And your teammate, don't try to cover for him," Capbell added further.
"You just do your job. If not, we'll get somebody else in there.
It's all good.”
The comments come as defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard has taken heat this week for a unit that has struggled badly. Sheppard’s media session earlier in the week came off as defensive and stubborn, and the conversation around the defense has centered on whether the issues go beyond coaching.
Some around the team believe Sheppard is not carrying the full load for what’s gone wrong, arguing the talent level - especially in the secondary - is part of the problem. Still, Campbell’s stance was clear: the Lions see execution, not talent, as the core issue.
The numbers underline how rough it’s been. Detroit’s pass defense is among the worst in the NFL, and Sheppard’s defense is allowing 109.3 net passing yards per game when bringing pressure on the quarterback. Only four other teams since 2016 have been worse in that category.
The Falcons are giving up 65.3 yards, which is the second-worst mark in the league to begin the 2026 season.
Detroit is looking at changes this week, too. Rookie Keith Abney could see more action, and Ennis Rakestraw may get an expanded role as he continues settling into his first real season playing consistently.
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