The Detroit Lions are not making an immediate change at defensive coordinator after their 32-26 loss to the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, but head coach Dan Campbell has put the unit’s approach under review. Campbell said he and Kelvin Sheppard will put everything on the table as Detroit searches for answers following another uneven defensive performance.
Locked On Lions host Matt Dery said the absence of a coaching shakeup does not lessen the pressure on Sheppard, whose defense has allowed at least 30 points in three of four games. Carolina produced 445 total yards, including 329 through the air, and Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan caught 14 passes for 192 yards and two touchdowns.
Campbell pointed to coverage issues early in the game before the Lions’ run defense faltered in the second half. He also cited the team’s penalties and broader execution problems, making this more than a question of whether Detroit changes its defensive play-caller.
Dery focused on the schematic uncertainty. He questioned a look that put edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson in slot coverage on a key third down, arguing that Detroit has not consistently put its best defenders in favorable situations. Campbell indicated the club could revisit its heavier early-season use of zone coverage, with more man concepts among the options.
Detroit has enough front-line talent to expect more from this group, but any adjustment must quickly translate into tighter coverage, cleaner run fits and fewer explosive plays.
The Lions enter their Week 5 road game against the Arizona Cardinals at 2-2, and the next performance will shape whether Campbell’s patience holds.
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