Key Stats Highlight Lions' Defensive Challenges for 2026

WHO:

detroitlions.com - Head coach Dan Campbell and defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard are involved with the Detroit Lions.

detroitlions.com - Jameson Williams and Amon-Ra St. Brown are players on the Lions' roster.

WHAT:

detroitlions.com - The Lions had eight interceptions and lost seven fumbles last season, resulting in a total of 15 turnovers, which was tied for the fourth fewest in the NFL.

detroitlions.com - Jameson Williams was credited with 12 drops, the most in the NFL, while Amon-Ra St. Brown had 10 drops, the most of his career.

detroitlions.com - New offensive coordinator Drew Petzing stated, "I think the goal is always going to be get better at everything we do," emphasizing a focus on details in the upcoming season.

detroitlions.com - The Detroit Lions allowed 105 explosive plays (82 passes and 23 runs) last season.

detroitlions.com - The Lions allowed 151 points outside the red zone, ranking second in the NFL behind Tampa Bay, which allowed 156 points.

detroitlions.com - The Lions had 19 takeaways last season, ranking 19th in the league.

detroitlions.com - The Lions scored a total of 472 points last season, the second most in the NFL behind the Rams (504 points).

detroitlions.com - The Lions had 21 rushing touchdowns (seventh most) and 35 passing touchdowns (third most) last season.

detroitlions.com - The Lions' pass rush win rate was 26 percent, ranking 26th in the league.

detroitlions.com - The Lions recorded 46 sacks, tied for the fourth most in the NFL in 2025.

WHERE:

detroitlions.com - The 2026 Detroit Lions Media Day took place at the Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park, Michigan.

WHEN:

detroitlions.com - The 2026 Detroit Lions Media Day occurred on June 15, 2026.

WHY:

detroitlions.com - Defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard stated that 30 to 40 percent of the explosive plays allowed had no business being on the tape due to correctable mistakes.

HOW:

detroitlions.com - The Lions are looking for more consistency in their overall pass rush plan, having revamped their edge room alongside Aidan Hutchinson and expecting a leap in development from Tyleik Williams in Year 2.

detroitlions.com - The Lions are focusing on limiting explosive plays as the number one priority for the upcoming season.

The Detroit Lions had a solid performance last season, recording only 15 turnovers, which tied for the fourth fewest in the NFL, despite Jameson Williams leading the league with 12 drops. Amon-Ra St. Brown also had a challenging season with 10 drops, the highest of his career. New offensive coordinator Drew Petzing is focused on improving every aspect of the team's game, particularly aiming for more consistency in their pass rush as they look to develop their edge players alongside Aidan Hutchinson and Tyleik Williams.