Stephen A. Smith rips Lions defense after giving up 71 points in 2 games

Detroit’s defense has given up 71 points in the Lions' first two games of the 2026 NFL season, drawing harsh criticism from ESPN's First Take host Stephen A. Smith. The Lions allowed 30 points to the New Orleans Saints in Week 1 and 41 points to the Buffalo Bills on Thursday night. This performance has become a major concern as the Lions strive to return to the playoffs after missing out last year.

On Friday, Smith appeared on First Take to react to Detroit's loss to Buffalo. While he expressed his desire for defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard to succeed, Smith strongly criticized the Lions' defense. In the two games, the defense has conceded 71 points, ten touchdowns, 63 first downs, and 915 yards. Smith emphasized that these numbers are "very bad" and "very bad" given that the season is just two weeks old.

Although the Lions' offense is expected to perform well if running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and Amon-Ra St. Brown maintain their form, the defense must improve and address its shortcomings following their mistakes against the Bills. The game against Buffalo was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams scoring touchdowns throughout the night.

However, Buffalo secured the win with a 14-0 first-quarter lead, maintaining control for the remainder of the game. Jared Goff completed 26 of 38 passes for 327 yards and four touchdowns, while Gibbs had 16 rushing yards and six receptions for 61 yards and a touchdown. St. Brown caught nine passes for 142 yards and two touchdowns, with Sam LaPorta adding six receptions for 61 yards and a touchdown.

The Lions hope to bounce back in their next game, which is against the New York Jets on September 27 at 1 p.m. ET.