9 publishers · first seen Thu, 29 Oct 2026 09:00 UTC · updated Fri, 30 Oct 2026 17:44 UTC
Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard credited a unique five-man cornerback rotation for the team's strong defensive performance in their win over the Green Bay Packers. The rotation, which included Roger McCreary, D.J. Reed, Ennis Rakestraw, Khalil Dorsey and Rock Ya-Sin, was proposed by defensive pass game coordinator Deshea Townsend after observing scout-team success in practice. Sheppard said the defense met all three of its keys to victory: limiting big plays by Christian Watson and Matthew Golden, dominating the run game and forcing turnovers, including a Brian Branch interception. The Lions held the Packers to 60 rushing yards on 19 carries and under 30 yards per reception for both Watson and Golden.
Sheppard declined to reveal the defensive keys for the upcoming game against the Minnesota Vikings, emphasizing respect for quarterback Kyler Murray, receiver Justin Jefferson and tight end T.J. Hockenson despite the Vikings' low offensive rankings. Special teams coordinator Dave Fipp praised linebacker Trevor Nowaske for providing key input that led to a game-changing blocked field goal by DJ Wonnum, who earned NFC Special Teams Player of the Week.
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