I can’t recall game all being given out and that player giving it to another player as well as the Coach!!
Love this
4 Likes
You remember Ben Johnson stayed with the Lions when he could have become a head coach, think about he could have stayed this year too
1 Like
Hutch had to find his footing a little more to start the season coming off injury, but he’s still incredible regardless so we’ll call it a wash. BB is solid as well, especially given this was his first offseason staying in one single position. Kerby looks a step off from last year because of the knee injury. And Arnold - cmon. Calling him better than last year is a massive stretch.
Additionally the Lions just played a game without BB, without Kerby, and without TA - the guys listed as to why this defense is better - and we performed even better than last year without any of them.
Either way I personally feel way more confident in our defense capabilities with Shep than I ever did in multiple years with AG.
2 Likes
He had a great start, but he’s a better player this year.
They are both playing better
Probably the same people that were saying that AG had a quality defense his first three years here. Opposing teams picked on Arnold last year, they are picking on him again this year, but he’s better than he was, just ask Shep and he’ll be better next year too.
AG had little talent his first three years, something readily admitted by BH and something vehemently denied by you. Last year was the first year that AG had a quality team, unfortunately it was decimated by injuries. Without factoring injuries, this years team is a more talented team than last years, but when you compare this years team to the first three years, it’s not even close.
That’s something Sheppard said as well.
1 Like
The Lions definitely search for team oriented guys. That’s for sure.
1 Like
I’ll add this. “In his third season, Jack Campbell is ascending to a new plane. He’s Pro Football Focus’s third-highest-graded linebacker (89.0) in the NFL and has been an absolute monster in run defense while showing marked improvement in his coverage ability. He leads the team in tackles (64) and is second on the team in tackles-for-loss (five) and forced fumbles (two), trailing Aidan Hutchinson in both categories.
…Barnes, who received a new three-year deal last spring, has been a valuable Swiss Army Knife. He’s tied for third on the team in pressures (12) and tied for third with Jack Campbell in sacks (three) while ranking second in tackles (43).”
Yes we had a no name secondary but anyone think their job was easier because of the DL? “The team generated 40 pressures against the Buccaneers, with a mix of sacks and hurries.”
Out of 50 passing attempts we had 40 pressures, that’s insane.
In 2024 Barnes had 8 combined tackles and now his tackles, pressures and sacks are what?
We have better D players this season.
4 Likes
So don’t you find it rather interesting that both Campbell and Barnes are having break out years so far this year under an Ex-LB DC?
Maybe Shep has something to do with this, like getting the most out of that talent that was there already, just saying.
5 Likes
Glenn was a former CB but I’d argue that Shep is getting more from the secondary this year than Glenn was able to get from them last year.
2 Likes
Shep thinks like a linebacker, not a DB.
1 Like
I think linebackers are kind of like catchers in baseball: just really knowledgeable about the game and other positions. It’s why they usually make good managers…Brad Ausmus notwithstanding.
My wife and daughter loved Aaron Glenn, but both have become big Shep fans. He’s a great Xs and Os guy and looks to be a great leader and motivator. Players love him.
3 Likes
Gun to my head to choose a DC… I go Shep… But AG was good too.
The key is Dan Campbell as @DeadDog said about 25 replies back. DC hires dudes he knows are ready and great mentors and leaders.
DC’s hiring ability might be one of his best traits as a Head Coach.
Fipp A+ hire
AG A- hire
Ben Johnson A+ promotion after Lynn
Shep so far A+
Morton so far B+
The key is Dan Campbell
And Holmes buying the groceries
7 Likes
If Cincinnati fires Zac Taylor I wouldn’t mind him replacing Morton as OC if Morton doesn’t work out.
He’s close to Dan and knows Goff (was his QB coach in 2018)
The D line and LBs are healthy and awesome!
Big diff …
1 Like
Maybe the lions defense is just better with a healthy Barnes. And even better with a healthy McNeil and the game slowing down for Campbell?
2 Likes
I believe Barnes just needed more time to develop into his role, Cpt Jacks development is faster but he was a 1st round pick for a reason so this isnt surprising.
And AG and Dan didnt like Barnes, of course. 
3 Likes
Why is there such a strong debate on this? AG was great. I loved AG. Anyone who says he wasn’t doesn’t know football or this team. Shepp is doing great minus the Chiefs game. Shepp learned from AG. Shepp is running AG’s defense. It’s the same defense. The players in the entire league voted for AG. The players credit AG. No need to put someone down to raise someone up. Just be happy Shepp is doing a good job.
4 Likes
Agree to disagree. It can have similar principles and fundamentals but this is Shep’s defense for sure.
4 Likes
Dude, its the exact same defense. Of course you have to call the plays and adjust, but it is the same thing.
Statistically AG’s tenure here doesn’t look great. In fact he oversaw some of the worst statistical defenses in Lions history (and we’ve had some bad defenses).
So do a lot of other people - which is why there is debate. He was also startled with some mediocre talent on his side of the ball which is also why he was given so much leeway on the results. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder with AG which is why there is debate (also this is a message board which is literally the purpose of this place)
I don’t care what statistics say. Every season, and every game was different with lack of talent or injuries. It doesn’t tell the story. Whoever is putting AG down doesn’t know football or this team or what the players have done and said about him. And yes they are running the same defense. Shepp is a product of AG. He taught him and groomed him.
I don’t agree that there should be a debate, but sure, and that’s why I’m joining in. AG was great here and great for the team., Shepp is doing great. We can like both.
2 Likes