With the Lions' secondary paper-thin after a rash of injuries and suspensions, Dan Campbell was forced to trust a bunch of fill-ins to get the job done against the high-powered Bucs offense on Monday Night Football. The reserve unit responded in a way beyond even the wildest dreams of Detroit fans, giving first-year defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard a signature game for the ledger.
The Lions held MVP candidate Baker Mayfield in check, compiled four sacks and forced two turnovers while keeping Tampa Bay to nine total points. At one point Troy Aikman said it was one of the greatest defensive efforts he'd ever seen—and considering the circumstances perhaps that's not hyperbolic.
