Kelvin Sheppard Faces Sleepless Nights Preparing for Lamar Jackson
The Detroit Lions are gearing up for a significant challenge as they prepare to face the Baltimore Ravens and their dynamic quarterback, Lamar Jackson. For Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard, the task has proven to be daunting enough to cause a few sleepless nights.
Lamar Jackson: An Unpredictable Force
Jackson’s unique skill set makes him one of the most formidable players in the NFL. His ability to dominate a game is a concern for any opposing coach. Sheppard, recognizing the multidimensional threat Jackson poses, remarked, “What does Lamar do? Well, everything. What does he not do? Well, nothing. I mean, he could beat you all different ways. Run game, pass game. Pass game, he could do it in the pocket or out of the pocket.”
This versatility is a primary reason Jackson has earned the title of MVP multiple times in his career. Sheppard expressed his admiration for Jackson, saying, “I have the utmost respect for this player. He’s a dynamic player in this league. He’s hard to prepare for. I’ve gotten a lack of sleep this week due to him, so I’ll make sure I’ll let him know that after this game.”
Crafting a Defensive Game Plan
One of the key strategies for NFL coaches when facing Jackson is to force him into a more one-dimensional role. However, Sheppard acknowledges the difficulty of this task, especially with the Ravens’ recent addition of running back Derrick Henry. “Trying to make him one-dimensional is hard to do,” Sheppard said. “The fact they’ve added D-Henry only doubles down on it. You just gotta go in with a plan, that we’ve created as a staff, that we feel gives our players an opportunity to have success against this unit.”
Understanding the Ravens’ Threat
The Lions’ coaching staff fully recognizes the high stakes involved in their matchup against the Ravens. Sheppard detailed the array of weapons Baltimore possesses, including players like Zay Flowers, Isaiah Likely, Mark Andrews, and, of course, Jackson himself. “This team is why they are who they are. Every year, you’re talking about the Ravens in championship contention,” he noted.
While the Lions do not expect this game to be a definitive indicator of their season, it presents a critical litmus test. Sheppard emphasized, “This isn’t a deciding factor of who’s going to the Super Bowl or anything, but it is a litmus test for us. And it will let us know where do you really stand against the big boys in the league.”
As the Lions prepare for their clash in Baltimore, the focus will be on executing their game plan against one of the league’s elite. The outcome may not dictate their playoff hopes, but it will provide valuable insights into their growth and capabilities as they strive for success in a competitive NFL landscape.
