Kelvin Sheppard has known Matthew Stafford for more than 15 years — dating back to their college days when Sheppard was at LSU. He later shared a locker room with Stafford during the 2018 season in Detroit and has coached against him multiple times in recent years. Simply put, Sheppard has seen Stafford from every angle: as a teammate, as an opponent, and now as a defensive coordinator preparing to face him again.

And because of that experience, Sheppard understands better than most how Stafford’s signature no-look throws and clever misdirection can dismantle a defense.

As the Lions prepare to travel to Los Angeles for their Week 15 showdown, Sheppard’s main point of emphasis to his defense is straightforward: do not trust what Stafford is showing you.

Stafford has been on fire this season, totaling 35 touchdown passes against just four interceptions — including a long stretch without a single turnover — largely because of how effectively he manipulates defenders.

“I was watching film and saw him pull a linebacker three yards out of position with his eyes, then drop the ball right behind the guy’s ear and basically wink,” Sheppard said. “I keep telling the guys in zone coverage: don’t read his eyes. He’s going to fool you every time. Normally we coach players to key the front shoulder, but with him, that doesn’t even help. His shoulder will point one way and he’ll fire it somewhere else.”

Sheppard said that against Stafford, many of the usual fundamentals simply don’t apply.

“When you’re playing zone, knowing your landmarks and executing your rules matters even more. All the normal coaching points go out the window with him,” he explained. “Everything we preach all season — he breaks those rules.”

Sheppard added that, in his view, Stafford is playing at a Hall of Fame level and continues to perform at an elite standard deep into his career.

The numbers support that praise. Stafford is not only posting MVP-caliber production, he’s thriving in nearly every situation:

21 TDs and just one INT vs. man coverage

25 TDs and zero picks against the blitz

Deadly efficiency in the red zone

Whether opponents play zone, man, or bring pressure, Stafford finds answers. He can deceive zone defenders with his eyes and body language, or beat man coverage with precision and arm strength.

“To still be playing at this level at his age is pretty unbelievable,” Sheppard said. “And he’s throwing to two true No. 1 receivers in Puka Nacua and Davante Adams. He gives those guys chances to win 50-50 balls.”

Sheppard emphasized that staying disciplined — not allowing the Rams to dictate the tempo — will be essential.

The Lions DC was also asked whether other teams’ occasional success against the Rams’ offense offered any clues. Sheppard said turnovers can’t be forced artificially, though he does believe there are opportunities to knock the ball loose, something Detroit’s defense has excelled at this season.

Aidan Hutchinson, Amik Robertson, and Jack Campbell have all made stripping the ball a part of their skill set, with each player recording multiple forced fumbles.

League-wide, Sheppard noted, forced fumbles have become more common over the last couple seasons thanks to defenders focusing on punch-outs rather than solely on sacks or interceptions.

He also acknowledged that the Rams’ defense excels at forcing turnovers as well, with players like Nate Landman showing a knack for ripping the ball out — something Detroit must be aware of from all angles.

“We’re not just preparing for their offense,” Sheppard said. “We also have to match the intensity and ball-hawking ability of their defense. They’re aggressive, they take shots at the football, and they create takeaways. We’ve got to be sharp across the board.”