The Detroit Lions were not victorious on Sunday Night Football against the Carolina Panthers. Detroit did more than enough offensively to win, though it certainly wasn't perfect. Defensively, though, it was an unmitigated disaster that even former Lions couldn't stand watching.
Detroit had more yards of offense in this game, and they didn't turn the ball over either. However, they still gave up over 400 yards of offense. They were continuously destroyed in man coverage. And Tetairoa McMillan had a career day with nearly 200 yards receiving.
Lions fans turned their rage toward defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard. This sort of performance is nothing new for Detroit. Many are calling for his job. For now, head coach Dan Campbell is not talking about this publicly.
“I'm not talking about all that. I'm talking about getting better right now with what we've got, and that's what we're gonna do. We're gonna find a way to get better with what we got,” he said, via Nolan Bianchi of The Detroit News.
Article Continues BelowThe Lions have allowed the most yards per game this season of any team in the league. Detroit is one of two teams to have allowed an average of 400 yards or more a game this year. This is the second time this season Detroit has allowed a receiver to go for nearly 200 yards on them.
Detroit's offense has done its part to this point. The Lions have consistently scored about 30 points a game this year. Quarterback Jared Goff has not thrown an interception through four games this year. Detroit has only one turnover on offense, as well.
The lack of quality defensive performances is a recurring issue. Something has to give for the Lions, especially if they want to contend for the playoffs. Detroit is in action against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 5 before going on its bye week in Week 6.

