{
  "id": 12933719,
  "title": "Kelvin Sheppard on Lions' defense: \"Something has to change\"",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/08/kelvin-sheppard-on-lions-defense-something-has-to-change",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-08T19:06:39.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/kelvin-sheppard-lions-defense-something-190639795.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard is adamant that the team's defense needs significant improvement. During a Thursday press conference, Sheppard stated that change is necessary, whether it comes through personnel moves or adjustments in approach. He acknowledged that the defensive line has been performing well but criticized the rest of the defense for not capitalizing on their success. Sheppard expressed frustration with the team's performance, noting that the defense has allowed an average of 423.8 yards per game, the worst in the league. He stressed the importance of violence and intensity in overcoming the team's shortcomings, emphasizing that the defense must be fully engaged and effective for the offense to truly benefit from their efforts.",
  "summary": "The Lions are 2-2, in large part because the defense isn't good enough.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "5 takeaways from Kelvin Sheppard’s presser: Lions DC stands by scheme, blitzes",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/08/5-takeaways-from-kelvin-sheppards-presser-lions-dc-stands-by-scheme",
        "published": "2026-10-08T18:00:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}