Detroit Lions

Detroit Lions Defense Analysis

Season Stats

Defense

The Detroit Lions defense utilizes a 4-3 Aggressive Man base scheme under defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard. Review their latest 2025 coverage stats, pass rush metrics, and coaching adjustments below.

Scheme & Analysis

How good is the Detroit Lions Defense?

The Detroit Lions have been pretty bad this season, allowing over 24 points per game. For context, they are trailing the league average by 1.3 points.

In the NFC North, they trail the Minnesota Vikings (#7) and Green Bay Packers (#11) in points allowed per game but place higher than the Chicago Bears (#23) to round out the division.

They don't create a ton of chaos, preferring to keep everything in front of them. They also have a knack for finding the football, generating turnovers at a solid rate.

49
Total Sacks
13
Interceptions

Statistically, their front seven production is average compared to the league median, while their secondary is capable (13 INTs).

* Grades calibrated to 2024 Regular Season (Weeks 1-16).

See Calculations

Key Playmakers

Their success in 2025 is primarily because of the defensive play of Aidan Hutchinson, who has been an elite performer, contributing 54 tackles, 14.5 sacks, and 1 interception. Additionally, Derrick Barnes has been a solid contributor with 78 tackles, 4 sacks, and 1 interception, adding depth to the unit.

What is the Detroit Lions defensive scheme?

Coordinator: Kelvin Sheppard

The Detroit Lions defense runs a 4-3 Aggressive Man under coordinator Kelvin Sheppard.

Base Defensive Front
4-3 Aggressive Man
?
4-3 Front (One-Gap)
Four down linemen, each responsible for a single gap. The goal is speed and penetration to disrupt plays in the backfield.

Tactical Philosophy

Kelvin Sheppard steps up to run Aaron Glenn's foundational scheme. Expect continuity with a physical, man-coverage heavy philosophy that challenges receivers at the line.

Key Principles

Man-to-Man CoveragePhysical PressStop the Run First

Scheme Strengths

  • ✓Consistent 4-man pass rush without blitzing
  • ✓Effective against outside runs (gap integrity)
  • ✓ Simpler coverage responsibilities for LBs

Potential Weaknesses

  • ⚠Can be vulnerable to power run schemes (Double teams)
  • ⚠Requires elite defensive line talent to succeed
  • ⚠Linebackers must be excellent in coverage

Want to understand defensive schemes?
View our Defensive Schemes Glossary

Fantasy & Betting

Defensive Vitals (Key Metrics)

The key metrics for the Detroit Lions Defense include their Havoc Score, Ball Production, and Front Aggression.

⚠️ This unit struggles to disrupt opposing offenses. They are reliable for points allowed but lack significant turnover upside.
Havoc Rate
AVG
10.3/g
Turnovers
ELITE
1.6/g
Aggression
POOR
3.9/g
vs 2024 Regular Season Standards
Metric
Per Game
Grade
Why it Matters
Havoc Score
10.3
AVG
They disrupt the offense 10.3 times per game. Low disruption rate. Often indicates a conservative 'Bend-Don't-Break' scheme or lack of pass rush talent.
Ball Production
1.6
ELITE
They force a turnover event (INT or Fumble) 1.6 times per game. They are ball-hawks that give their offense extra possessions.
Front Aggression
3.9
POOR
The Front 7 (Line + LBs) wrecks 3.9 plays at the line of scrimmage per game (Sacks + TFLs).
Metric Definitions• Havoc Score: TFLs + PDs + FFs per game.• Ball Prod: INTs + FFs per game.• Front Aggression: TFLs per game.
Havoc Grading Scale
ELITE > 11.5 GOOD > 10.5 AVG > 9.5 POOR < 9.5
Ball Production Grading Scale
ELITE > 1.6 GOOD > 1.3 AVG > 1.0 POOR < 1.0
Front Aggression Grading Scale
ELITE > 5.8 GOOD > 5.2 AVG > 4.7 POOR < 4.7

Performance Metrics

How is the Detroit Lions defense trending?

Last 3 Games vs. Season Average

Steady
24.3 PPG(Last 3)
Their performance has remained steady vs. season average.

Roster & Injuries

Who is on the Detroit Lions defense injury report?

Key absences impacting the gameplanAs of Jan 14, 2026
LB
Alex Anzalone
Linebacker
QuestionableJan 5
"Impacts coverage over the middle and open-field tackling."
S
Thomas Harper
Safety
QuestionableJan 5
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
DT
Alim McNeill
Defensive Tackle
QuestionableJan 5
"Weakens pass rush rotation and interior run gaps."
CB
Terrion Arnold
Cornerback
Injured ReserveDec 2
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
S
Brian Branch
Safety
Injured ReserveDec 13
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
LB
Zach Cunningham
Linebacker
Injured ReserveOct 22
"Impacts coverage over the middle and open-field tackling."
S
Dan Jackson
Safety
Injured ReserveAug 5
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
S
Kerby Joseph
Safety
Injured ReserveDec 20
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
DE
Levi Onwuzurike
Defensive End
OutJul 20
"Weakens pass rush rotation and interior run gaps."
DE
Josh Paschal
Defensive End
OutNov 27
"Weakens pass rush rotation and interior run gaps."
CB
Ennis Rakestraw Jr.
Cornerback
Injured ReserveAug 7
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
LB
Ezekiel Turner
Linebacker
Injured ReserveAug 28
"Impacts coverage over the middle and open-field tackling."
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