Campbell Backs Sheppard After Lions Allow 32 Points, Fall to 2-2
Updated
Updated · ESPN · Oct 5
Campbell Backs Sheppard After Lions Allow 32 Points, Fall to 2-2
3 articles · Updated · ESPN · Oct 5
Summary
32 points allowed in Carolina left Dan Campbell defending coordinator Kelvin Sheppard, saying Detroit will "exhaust everything" internally before considering a staff change.
31.8 points per game now leads the NFL, and the Lions have surrendered 30 or more points in three of four games for the first time since their 2008 0-16 season.
Detroit's secondary has driven much of the slide, giving up a league-high 1,216 passing yards through four games while injuries mounted again with cornerback Rock Ya-Sin exiting with a hamstring issue.
Tetairoa McMillan exposed that unit for 14 catches, 192 yards and two touchdowns, but players including D.J. Reed and Jack Campbell said the breakdowns were on them rather than the coaching staff.
At 2-2 with 13 games left, Campbell said panic is the wrong response as the Lions turn to fixing coverage mistakes before next week's trip to Arizona.