Lions' Defense Gets 'Best Ever' Label From Troy Aikman During Win Over Buccaneers

Aikman Praises Lions' Effort With 'All-Time Greatest' Label

The former Dallas Cowboys QB and three-time Super Bowl winner Aikman was shocked by what he saw from Aidan Hutchinson, fill-in starter Nick Whiteside and the rest of the Lions' defense.

The Lions led 24-9 in the fourth quarter with the Buccaneers driving. Over four minutes remained in the clock as Mayfield and the Bucs attempted to draw within one score at Ford Field.

The Lions' defense tightened up in the red zone with Hutchinson bringing pressure and Whiteside recording two pass breakups.

"This is remarkable," Joe Buck said.

"It's one of the best defensive efforts I've ever seen," Aikman added after a late pass break-up by Whiteside that made it third-and-long.

A fourth down heave into the end zone intended for Emeka Egbuka was broken up by Whiteside to stop the drive as fans celebrated.

"And Kelvin Sheppard's like a proud dad over on the sideline," Buck said.

"He should be," Aikman added as the celebrations continued.

Sheppard streaked to down the sideline with a look of pure joy on his face as Aikman made another proclamation.

"Pretty amazing, and that defensive staff starting with Kelvin Sheppard, they deserve a game ball," Aikman said.

Lions Remain Behind Packers

The Lions remained behind the Green Bay Packers in the NFC North after the win as Detroit moved to 5-2 on the season with the Packers at 4-1-1, including an opening week win over the Lions.

The Packers' .750 winning percentage remains higher than the Lions' at .714 with Green Bay scheduled to play the Steelers in Pittsburgh next week and Detroit scheduled for a bye week before Minnesota comes calling at Ford Field on Nov. 2.

The Lions are battered and bruised, but passed one of their biggest tests with flying colors. Their shorthanded win over Mayfield and the Bucs may not have fully exorcised last year's playoff demons from their loss to the Commanders, but it should do wonders for the team's confidence going forward.

Brian Branch will be back from suspension next month, a development that should allow Campbell, Sheppard, and the rest of the Lions' brass to sleep well in the coming days, along with the satisfaction of their latest signature win.