Sheppard Defends Lions’ Defense, Says Changes Are Needed

Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard defended his pressure calls against Carolina and rejected the suggestion that the offense must carry the defense, while acknowledging Thursday that the unit’s four-game start fell short of expectations and that changes were needed. The Lions have allowed 423.8 yards per game through four games, the highest average in the NFL. They are also allowing 304 passing yards and 31.8 points per game, both among the league’s worst marks. Detroit is 2-2 after losing 32-26 to the Carolina Panthers last Sunday. Sheppard said he believed in a three-phase team and called it “ultra disrespectful” to suggest the offense had to make up for the defense. His remarks came as Detroit’s offense had scored at least 26 points in each of its first four games. The Lions won two of those games, but their output was not enough against Carolina. Sheppard also stood by the decision to blitz Panthers quarterback Bryce Young, describing the calls as the right ones. He declined to discuss private conversations about the team’s play-calling and execution.