Detroit’s defense has given up an absolutely brutal 71 points through just two games. You heard that right. Seventy-one points! And because of that nightmare start, defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard is feeling the heat, big time.
Sheppard’s Defense Is a Sieve: No Excuses!
Sheppard had to face the media on Thursday, and everyone knew exactly what he was going to be grilled about. Seventy-one points in two games? That’s not just bad, it’s historically rough, putting this team in an impossible spot. Let’s not forget, the guy was already under fire last year for what was called a “somewhat ridiculous assertion” about the team’s good run defense against the Los Angeles Rams. Now, he’s apparently “done with the omitting explosives game.” What in the name of all that’s holy does that even mean? Is he finally admitting they’ve been letting huge, game-changing plays slip through the cracks? Or is he saying they’re done *ignoring* them when they review film? Either way, the scoreboard doesn’t lie. You can’t give up almost 36 points a game and expect to compete, let alone win, anything in this league. This isn’t just a tough start for the Lions defense; it’s a giant, glaring, crimson-red flag waving in everyone’s face telling them this needs to be fixed ASAP.
Offense: Slow Starts and Questionable Calls
Then there’s offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, who’s got his own massive set of headaches to deal with. His offense has started *both* games this season with three-and-outs. Seriously? That kind of start is just unacceptable. It didn’t completely torpedo them against the Saints, but it absolutely buried them in a quick 21-0 hole against the Buffalo Bills. Petzing talked about how to fix those slow starts, saying players need to “lock in on the plan,” really “feel real confident” in their jobs, “play free, playing fast,” and “get the nerves out of the way pre-game.” He also tossed in the classic “calling the right plays at the right time.” Okay, coach, but are you actually *doing* that for your guys?
He admits to starting games with a specific play script, but he wouldn’t say if he needs to adjust that strategy moving forward. That’s not exactly a vote of confidence, is it? He did offer up, “Any time we don’t score a touchdown, I think you’re always going to second guess, ‘Oh, could I have done this? Should I have done that?’” He noted sometimes he liked the call, but execution wasn’t there. Other times, he questions the call itself. That’s a lot of self-doubt and uncertainty from an offensive coordinator just two games in!
And what about that seemingly overreliance on rushing plays on second-and-10, especially against Buffalo? It felt like the Bills absolutely picked up on that tendency, and it ended up killing the Lions’ comeback attempt with a bunch of negative plays. Petzing defended those calls, arguing it’s super important for getting into “third-and-manageable” situations and avoiding the “increased pressure looks” defenses throw on third down. Plus, he mentioned in Detroit, they often operate like a “four-down offense,” so they often treat second down like first down. I understand the philosophy, but when it’s not working, you have to adapt and change things up, right?
Time to Figure It Out, Fast!
Look, the Lions are clearly grappling with some major, major issues on both sides of the ball right now. The defensive point total is absolutely alarming, and the offense just cannot seem to get out of its own way early in games. If these coaches and players can’t figure out how to stop the bleeding, and quick, this season is going to be a long, painful grind. They need to find some answers, and fast, before this thing spirals completely out of control.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pride of Detroit.
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