By Zicpraiz 
Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard has a clear vision for his unit: a “nasty, tenacious” defense that opponents fear.
Sheppard, who joined the Lions’ coaching staff this offseason, emphasized the importance of building a defense that’s physical, aggressive, and relentless.
“We want to be a defense that’s going to get after you,” Sheppard said. “We want to be a defense that’s going to be nasty, tenacious, and we’re going to get after the football.”
Sheppard’s philosophy is rooted in his playing experience as a linebacker in the NFL. He believes that a defense that’s physical and aggressive can disrupt an opponent’s offense and create turnovers.
“We want to be a defense that’s going to take the football away,” Sheppard said. “We want to be a defense that’s going to get sacks, get tackles for loss, and get interceptions.”
To achieve his vision, Sheppard is emphasizing the importance of building a strong defensive line. He believes that a dominant defensive line can set the tone for the entire defense.
“We need to be able to stop the run, and we need to be able to rush the passer,” Sheppard said. “If we can do those two things, we’ll be a tough defense to deal with.”
Sheppard is also stressing the importance of creating a culture of toughness and accountability within the defense.
“We need to be a defense that’s going to play with a lot of heart, a lot of passion, and a lot of energy,” Sheppard said. “We need to be a defense that’s going to play for each other, and we need to be a defense that’s going to play for the guy next to us.”
With Sheppard at the helm, the Lions’ defense is poised to undergo a significant transformation. If he can instill his vision and philosophy into the unit, Detroit could become a formidable defensive force in the NFL.