Detroit’s defense has looked sharp through the first two weeks of the season, but defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard knows the toughest test is still to come. As the Lions prepare for a primetime clash with the Baltimore Ravens in Week 3, Sheppard admitted that Lamar Jackson’s game-changing ability has been keeping him up at night.
Jackson, a former MVP, is as unpredictable as he is dangerous. His rare combination of speed, vision, and passing ability makes him one of the NFL’s toughest quarterbacks to game plan against — something Sheppard has been wrestling with all week.
“Lamar is one of those guys you just can’t replicate in practice,” Sheppard said. “He stresses every part of your defense — from the pass rush to the linebackers to the secondary. If you’re not disciplined on every single play, he’ll make you pay.”
The Lions know this firsthand. Back in 2023, Jackson and the Ravens dismantled Detroit in a lopsided victory, exposing breakdowns in communication and missed assignments. That loss has lingered in the locker room, serving as motivation heading into this rematch.
For Sheppard, it’s not just about X’s and O’s — it’s about making sure his players are mentally ready for 60 minutes of chaos. One slip-up, one overcommitment, and Jackson can flip the game in an instant.
“He’s different. He’s a unicorn,” Sheppard added. “Our guys understand this is going to be a full-team effort. It’s about focus, discipline, and tackling better than we ever have.”
With Aidan Hutchinson leading the pass rush, Brian Branch commanding the secondary, and Sheppard dialing up ways to keep Jackson contained, the Lions are treating this game as a measuring stick for their defense.
Still, even Sheppard admits that when it comes to Lamar Jackson, there’s no perfect plan — only preparation, execution, and hope that Detroit’s improved defense can rise to the challenge.
