Defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard has an appropriate nickname for the Detroit Lions' defense in 2025. He refers to them as the firefighters.

Sudden change after a turnover. Put out the fire. Don't get a fourth down conversion on offense. Put out the fire.

"Our head coach believes no matter where I put this defense, they're going to put the fire out," Sheppard said Thursday. "So, I don't care if Dan (Campbell) goes for it on every fourth down. It's our job as a defense to go out there and stand tall in that test. We're the firefighters on this team.

"That's the mentality you've got to have as a defensive player. No pointing the fingers, no 'what if' this, no 'what if' that. Always take the field like this unit did for the most part of that Philadelphia game. Understanding no matter t

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