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Is the 2026 Detroit Lions defense fixable?

Following a 32-26 defeat to the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium, questions are mounting regarding the performance of the Detroit Lions squad under defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard. Through four games of the 2026 season, the defensive unit has surrendered an average of 31.8 points per game, placing their early defensive statistics near historically poor franchise milestones previously set in 2008 and 2020.

Despite individual efforts from players such as Aidan Hutchinson, Alim McNeill, Jack Campbell, Tyleik Williams, D.J. Wonnum, and Derrick Barnes, analysts suggest that the roster's structural issues on defense may be too severe for in-season corrections to resolve.

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