Minnesota Vikings could learn a thing or two from Detroit Lions’ defense and the job Kelvin Sheppard has done

It’s a simple fix, yet harder to accomplish.

Mike Payton, Tyler Forness
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Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard reacts to a play against Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half at Ford Field in Detroit on Monday, Oct. 20, 2025.
Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Minnesota Vikings have a critical game ahead of them against the Detroit Lions this Sunday afternoon.

Not only is this an NFC North matchup where the Vikings need any advantage they can get at 3-4, but another loss could be a nail in the coffin for their playoff hopes. 3-5 would be a very difficult hole to get out of with a difficult schedule.

One of the biggest factors for the Vikings this season has been injuries. Whether it be on the offensive line or on the front seven, it’s hurt them in multiple ways. The difference between the Vikings and Lions is how each team has handled them.

Lions have thrived in spite of injuries

One of the big things we’ve seen from the Lions over the last two years has been the consistent overcoming of injuries, especially on the defensive side of the football. Against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers two weeks ago, they stopped the high powered Baker Mayfield offense with multiple starters and depth players out in the secondary.

How have the Lions done it? I spoke to A to Z Detroit’s Mike Payton about why the Lions have been so successful despite the injuries.

“It’s been all about the front seven for this team. Aidan Hutchinson has been taking on a lot of attention, and DJ Reader has been doing his thing as a space eater. It’s opened up one-on-one opportunities for other guys on the field. That’s why you’ve suddenly seen a guy like Al-Quadin Muhammad having a career year out of nowhere.

“With Alim McNeill being back, it only creates more opportunities. There’s a reason this group has 153 pressures and was third in sacks going into their bye week. 

“In the linebacker room, Jack Campbell is putting forth a Pro Bowl year. He has Pro Football Focus’ fourth-highest grade among linebackers right now. He’s improved his coverage and is pretty hard to go against in the run game. Derrick Barnes keeps getting better, too, especially as a SAM.”

Essentially the biggest differences are the following: development and getting consistent pressure. The Vikings have had issues in the secondary for a couple of seasons, but it hasn’t mattered much due to the Vikings getting consistent pressure. That has been a big factor for the Lions, but it’s also the level of coaching and development they get. Having that in your back pocket is such a huge advantage, as well as being able to trust your players to play man coverage.

This is where the Vikings lag behind. The lack of depth on this team is due to both coaching and lack of success in the NFL Draft. The Vikings know how to fix the issue, but they need to make it a priority moving forward. For now, continuing to get pressure will be what carries this defense.

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