Kelvin Sheppard ignites Lions defense with WWE-style fervor ahead of Bears clash at Ford Field
Kelvin Sheppard: The Training Camp Mentality
As the Detroit Lions gear up for their Week 2 showdown against the Chicago Bears, defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard is making it clear that preparation is everything. With head coach Ben Johnson leading the Bears into Ford Field, Sheppard has taken it upon himself to rally his troops with an intensity reminiscent of a WWE promo.
Walking onto the practice field, Sheppard addressed the media with a fervent message about the team’s upcoming performance. “First thing I told the guys is, ‘It’s going to be training camp practice, guys. It’s training camp day,’” he said. Drawing on his familiarity with the Bears’ coaching staff, Sheppard emphasized the similarities in their systems. “D.A. (Dennis Allen), I know them for a while. A.G. came from that system. So, it’s all the same, not only offensively, but defensively,” he noted.
Understanding Johnson’s Influence
Sheppard is keenly aware of Johnson’s rapid rise in the coaching ranks, particularly his success in transforming Detroit’s offense into an offensive juggernaut under Jared Goff. However, the Lions’ defensive leader is cautious not to let Johnson’s reputation overshadow his players.
“Don’t go chasing ghosts. Don’t worry about if he brings in an eligible player and he’s at receiver,” Sheppard advised. He acknowledged the respect he has for Johnson, both as a person and a play-caller. “It’s why he got afforded the opportunity he’s in, and we all understand this. But I clearly want to make this about the players. They’re the ones going to play,” he remarked.
Emphasizing Player Execution
Sheppard stressed the importance of focusing on his own players rather than getting caught up in the nuances of Johnson’s game plan. “You only got a one-game sample size of Ben being a new play-caller. Is that enough to say, ‘Oh, they’re going to do this, they’re going to do that?’ No, it’s not,” he explained. He underscored that the Lions are prepared with a tight game plan that allows for adjustments during the game.
“It’s about us. Understanding that stuff and making sure, as long as we go out and execute, we’re not saying, ‘Well, if you take out that play, we would have played dominant.’ No, let’s put in all the plays and play a dominant brand of football,” Sheppard asserted, highlighting the defense’s capabilities.
Amon-Ra St. Brown’s Perspective
Following Sheppard’s fiery rhetoric, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown chimed in with a playful jab, stating, “As soon as Ben Johnson arrives, we are booing him.” This light-hearted quip encapsulates the competitive spirit within the Lions’ locker room and the anticipation of facing a familiar face in Johnson.
As the Lions prepare for this critical matchup, Sheppard’s passionate approach serves as a reminder that, while respect for the opponent is essential, the primary focus must remain on executing their game plan effectively. With the intensity ramping up, fans can expect an electrifying atmosphere at Ford Field as Detroit aims to assert its dominance on defense against the Bears.
