DETROIT — Through seven weeks of the NFL season, Kelvin Sheppard has earned widespread respect — and deservedly so — for the impact he’s made as the Detroit Lions’ first-year defensive coordinator.

But his performance Monday night against a surging Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense was more than impressive — it was a coaching clinic, given the limited personnel he had available.

Missing nearly his entire starting secondary, Sheppard crafted a defensive plan that completely frustrated and confused Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield as Detroit rolled to a 24-9 victory over the NFC South leaders on Monday Night Football.

Leading the effort were veteran corners Rock Ya-Sin and Amik Robertson, filling in for injured starters Terrion Arnold (shoulder) and D.J. Reed (hamstring). At safety, Thomas Harper and Erick Hallett replaced Kerby Joseph (knee) and Brian Branch (suspension).

“It was just a really creative game plan,” Ya-Sin told MLive. “We mixed man and zone, disguised things pre-snap, and kept them guessing. The safeties did a great job hiding coverages. The D-line feasted, linebackers were flying, and the DBs came ready. Everybody did their job. But man, Shep called a masterpiece. Big shoutout to him.”

The result was Mayfield’s worst outing of the year, as he completed only 56 percent of his passes with a 66.1 rating — his lowest of the season. The last time he posted a lower passer rating came during a Week 6 loss to the Lions in 2023.

Cornerback Nick Whiteside, an Auburn Hills native and Saginaw Valley State alum who’s bounced between the practice squad and active roster, also contributed with 48 snaps. According to Pro Football Focus, he was Detroit’s top-graded defender with at least 10 snaps, posting an 83.9 rating.

“Shep told us in camp, ‘If you’re on the field, hold the line. Doesn’t matter who’s out there — the standard stays the same,’” Ya-Sin recalled. “That’s how it is here. We hold the line no matter what.”

Defensive tackle Alim McNeill, making his season debut and first appearance since tearing his ACL in Week 15 last year, was equally impressed by Sheppard’s approach.

“That’s Shep. That’s who he is,” McNeill said. “He hates when we call him a guru, but he really is one. The way he designs the stunts, the coverages — it’s genius. Shep’s the GOAT. He knows exactly what he’s doing.”

McNeill’s words aren’t far off.

The Lions’ defensive metrics under Sheppard through seven weeks are outstanding.

As of Tuesday, Detroit ranks first in forced fumbles (nine), second in passes defended (42), tied for third in sacks (23), and tied for sixth in interceptions (eight). For the first time since fumble data began in 1999, the Lions have recorded at least two sacks and one forced fumble in six straight games.

“It’s just awesome to witness,” linebacker Derrick Barnes said. “When a group of guys steps up and shows the league what we can do, it’s special. Coach Shep always tells us, if you’re dressed, you’re ready — because you never know when your turn comes. Next man up, always. And everyone lived up to it. I’m proud of this defense.”

The admiration for Sheppard wasn’t limited to defenders, as offensive players took notice too.

Jahmyr Gibbs, who exploded for a career performance thanks in part to the defense’s dominance, said he wasn’t surprised by how well Sheppard’s unit played despite missing starters.

“We always knew they could do that,” Gibbs said. “We face them every day in camp, and they make it tough.”

After the upcoming bye, the Lions will host the division rival Minnesota Vikings on Nov. 2.

By then, key defenders like Arnold, Joseph, and Branch are expected to return, along with potential reinforcements such as edge rusher Marcus Davenport.

Reed will be eligible to return from injured reserve after the Vikings matchup, while linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez could have his 21-day practice window opened.

In short, this defense hasn’t even hit its full stride. Despite missing several starters, they’re playing at an elite level.

While the players deserve plenty of credit for executing, Sheppard’s masterful game plan Monday is rapidly making him one of the NFL’s rising stars — and right now, the Lions are reaping the rewards.