Dan Campbell Retains Faith in Kelvin Sheppard After Lions Suffer 32-26 Loss to Panthers

Despite allowing 31.8 points per game, Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell refused to dismiss defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard after a 32-26 road loss to the Panthers.

The Detroit Lions fell to 2-2 on the season following a 32-26 road loss to the Carolina Panthers on Sunday night. During the defeat at Bank of America Stadium, the Lions allowed 30 or more points for the third time in four weeks, a mark the franchise has not reached since the 2008 season. Detroit currently yields a league-high 31.8 points per game and has surrendered 1,216 total passing yards through four contests.

Head coach Dan Campbell stated he will exhaust all options before considering a coaching change for second-year defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard. Campbell emphasized that the team will seek internal solutions with 13 games remaining rather than entering "panic mode." All-Pro linebacker Jack Campbell, who recorded 14 total tackles in the loss, also voiced his support for Sheppard, attributing the unit's struggles to player execution rather than coaching schemes.

Carolina wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan caught 14 passes for 192 yards and two touchdowns against a Detroit secondary hampered by injuries. Cornerback Rock Ya-Sin was ruled out in the second half due to a hamstring injury, while cornerback D.J. Reed, who finished with six tackles, noted the unit is failing to win one-on-one matchups. The Lions defense next travels to face the Arizona Cardinals.