By Sunday 
Shifting the Focus After a Rough Start
The Detroit Lions are coming off a tough 27-13 loss to the Green Bay Packers in Week 1, and naturally, the media is already buzzing about Week 2. After all, they’ll be squaring off against the Chicago Bears, now led by former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. That storyline alone could sell tickets, but new defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard isn’t buying into the hype.
“I Could Care Less”
When asked about facing Johnson, Sheppard didn’t mince words. “I could care less who’s calling the plays, who’s over there, what’s the scenario, what the media wants to make this out to be,” he told reporters. His focus? Pure and simple: getting his defense to bounce back.
The Lions’ defense looked shaky against Green Bay, and Sheppard made it clear that his attention isn’t on any coaching duel—it’s on his players and how they respond. “We are coming off a loss, ladies and gentlemen,” he reminded everyone.
Respect for a Former Colleague
That doesn’t mean Sheppard discredits Johnson. In fact, he gave his former coworker plenty of respect, calling Johnson’s greatest strength as a play-caller “everything.” Still, admiration aside, the rookie DC is locked in on what’s happening inside Detroit’s locker room.
A Bigger Picture for the Lions
Sheppard’s rise has been a steady one. After ending his NFL career with Detroit, he joined Dan Campbell’s staff in 2021 as an outside linebackers coach. By 2022, he was handling the linebackers group, and when Aaron Glenn left for a head coaching job earlier this year, Campbell handed him the DC reins.
Now, just two games into his new role, Sheppard faces not only an early test but also the temptation of letting outside narratives distract from his mission. Clearly, he’s not falling for it.
The Bottom Line
For Sheppard, it’s not about headlines, rivalries, or reunions. It’s about defense, accountability, and proving that this Lions team can respond to adversity. Week 2 is less about who’s on the opposite sideline and more about whether Detroit can tighten up and get back on track.
And honestly, that’s exactly the kind of no-nonsense mindset this team needs right now.