Offensive coordinator John Morton, defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard and special teams coordinator Dave Fipp spoke to the media Thursday ahead of Detroit’s matchup against the Cleveland Browns Sunday at Ford Field. Here are my 10 biggest takeaways from those media sessions:
1. Sheppard credited the execution more than the game plan itself for the defensive performance against Baltimore last week. Sheppard frequently utilized a spy for Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson in that contest. He credited run game coordinator and defensive line coach Kacy Rodgers with having a big influence on Monday’s game plan.
Sheppard said the ability to play extra linebackers not just on base first and second downs but also on third down has been an asset for them early in the year. It allows Sheppard to hide his pressures and coverages better and he thinks that’s been the big key to the success on defense early in the season. Sheppard credited Derrick Barnes and Trevor Nowaske with being so versatile, they can put them on the field and play more base defense than most teams.
2. The Browns have the No. 1 running defense in the NFL, allowing on average just 57.3 yards on the ground per game, but the Browns haven’t seen a running game like Detroit’s, per Morton. The sheer versatility and diversity of the Lions’ rushing attack is unique. Morton said Detroit must be patient with the run game, even if it isn’t clicking early Sunday at Ford Field.
Source link
