Detroit Lions coordinators, Fipp, Sheppard, Morton talk MNF takeaways, Browns prep ahead of showdown

ALLEN PARK, Mich. – Detroit Lions special teams coordinator Dave Fipp reflected on his squad’s performance during Monday Night Football.

When asked about advice for kicker Jake Bates attempting a long 67-yard field goal, Fipp said, “No, man. Let it rip. But that’s really the same thing every time. He knew what the opportunity had in front of him, obviously. Man, we want to make that. I thought he hit a good ball. Just came on top of it, just a tick too much, but had some leg strength, showed what he could do. I’m excited for the next time he gets that chance.”

On the topic of blocked kicks around the league, Fipp said, “Sometimes stuff like that happens on special teams, especially early in the season. If you look at the history in the first few weeks, there’s kind of an uptick on blocks and returns, and then it goes down. Guys get better playing it and players with more experience as the season goes. Late in the year, you see another uptick because teams are rolling through guys, playing younger players, and those guys are learning again.”

During Week 3 of the NFL season, the league recorded four blocked kicks on Sunday, Sept. 21, the most since 1991.

Fipp added that the Lions emphasized field goal protection after a poor showing the week before Baltimore, but still had issues.

“It kind of helped me out, gave me some credibility, I guess,” Fipp said.

Fipp praised coverage players like Bates for making key tackles, though he said tackling is not heavily practiced.

“He kept his head out of it. That’s the first thing you worry about. He went low on the guy, didn’t stay up high. He wasn’t awkward. He just did a nice cut tackle, really. So well done by him,” Fipp said.

Overall, Fipp said the special teams unit has had its ups and downs but is improving on a weekly basis.

“I feel great about the group, the direction they’re headed, who we got out there doing it. We’ve got a lot of guys learning. Even experienced guys like Zach Cunningham haven’t been full-time punt team players in years. We played 17 guys on our punt team already in three games."

Fipp also discussed the impact of new additions, such as tight end Ross Dwelley, who brings experience and blocking skills to kickoff returns, and Trevor Nowaske, who has developed into a key special teams contributor.

On kick returner changes, Fipp said, “We obviously got (Sione) Vaki in that last game, so we were able to slide (Grant) Stuard up and let Stuard block. We’re just trying to put the best 11 out there and whatever that combination ends up being."

Defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard recapped the Ravens game and looked ahead to the Cleveland Browns.

Sheppard emphasized the importance of execution over just having a plan.

“A plan means nothing without execution. If the players don’t understand what you’re preaching and what you want, it means nothing,” said Sheppard.

Sheppard was critical of giving up 30 points and pointed out three key drives where the defense faltered, calling two of the touchdowns “inexcusable.”

He praised the defense’s pass rush, highlighting 34 pressures, seven sacks, and seven quarterback hits.

“These guys take pride in their profession. It’s a joy to coach these guys,” Sheppard said.

Sheppard explained the defensive scheme’s evolution, including the incorporation of a spy to confuse offenses.

“We’re making everything look the same. When you do that, it’s impossible to know who’s coming, who’s the spy, who’s in coverage,” Sheppard said.

Sheppard praised linebacker Jack Campbell‘s toughness and leadership, noting Campbell played through injury and embodies the program’s values.

→ Detroit Lions’ Jack Campbell talks playing through pain, Browns matchup, teams defensive progress

Sheppard spoke highly of Derek Barnes, calling him a versatile player who can fill multiple linebacker and defensive end roles.

“He’s trending in the direction we want him to right now,” Sheppard said.

Regarding cornerback Terrion Arnold losing snaps to Amik Robertson, Sheppard said his increased role is due to earned performance, not a knock on Arnold.

Sheppard acknowledged that Arnold is young and still developing, emphasizing the need for coaching to build his confidence.

Offensive coordinator John Morton discussed preparing for Cleveland after a challenging game against Baltimore.

Morton described the Browns’ defense as featuring a lot of man-to-man coverage and a strong front that pressures both edges and the interior.

“If you get pressure up in the middle, now you’re getting the quarterback off the spot. That’s important,” said Morton.

Mason Graham

Morton praised former Michigan Wolverines College Football Playoff National Champion Mason Graham as a solid, relentless defensive player.

Graham has earned significant accolades during his college career.

He is a two-time All-American, receiving unanimous first-team honors in 2024 and second-team honors in 2023.

Graham has been selected twice for the All-Big Ten team: first team by the coaches in 2023-24 and first team by the media in 2024, as well as third team by the media in 2023.

He was named Defensive MVP of the 2023 Rose Bowl Game.

In 2024, Graham was a finalist for the Outland Trophy and the Nagurski Trophy, and a semifinalist for the Lott IMPACT Trophy.

He earned Academic All-Big Ten honors in 2023.

Graham was named Michigan’s Defensive Freshman of the Year in 2022 and Defensive Player of the Year in 2024.

He co-received the Woodley-Graham Award in 2023 and the Bo Schembechler Most Valuable Player Award in 2024.

Graham is a three-time letter winner from 2022 to 2024 and has appeared in 39 games with 27 starts along the defensive line.

Morton credited the Lions’ run game patience and execution for their success in limiting opponents to just 57.3 yards per game on the ground.

On blocking, Morton said, “The way these wide receivers block, the way Scottie Montgomery gets these guys to play, it’s the best I’ve ever seen in my 28 years of coaching."

He highlighted tight end Sam LaPorta‘s growth as a blocker, attributing it to coaching from Tyler Roehl, who has an offensive line background.

Morton explained the decision-making process for that key fourth-and-two conversion from Jared Goff to Amon-Ra St. Brown, saying head coach Dan Campbell calls the play, but it’s a collaborative effort.

“They don’t think twice, and that’s what we’re supposed to do,” Morton said.

Morton praised tackles Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell for their leadership and protection of the quarterback.

Morton shared his admiration for running back David Montgomery‘s professionalism and work ethic, comparing him to past greats like former Lions wide receiver Anquan Boldin.

Morton also addressed social media jokes made by players about his coaching style, saying, “I don’t take it as making fun of me. I thought it was pretty positive. Made me feel good.”

History

The upcoming challenge against Cleveland’s vaunted defense, backed by Myles Garrett, will be a tall task for the Lions’ offense.

Detroit leads the all-time series against the Browns, but the history between these two franchises includes four championship games, with the Lions’ last championship win coming in 1957.

The teams’ first significant matchups occurred in the 1950s, with both franchises frequently battling for league supremacy.

Detroit has won 19 of the 24 total games played between the two teams, although the Browns have won the most recent game, 13-10, inside Huntington Bank Field.

Here’s a fun fact: the Ravens were originally the Browns before they relocated from Cleveland to Baltimore in 1995, leading to a controversial decision where the city was able to retain the team name, while Charm City received the expansion team’s name.

With revenge on their minds, the Lions will host the Browns on Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025, inside Ford Field at 1 p.m.