Slay’s play even better than his talk
Cornerback has seven interceptions and proving he’s among best defenders in league
ALLEN PARK, Mich. — Darius Slay’s cockiness comes with a good-natured touch.
Detroit’s fast-talking cornerback can rattle off his skills and accomplishments but he never seems to be taking himself all that seriously.
Witness this comment about his growing popularity:
“I mean, I’m a lovable guy. I say it with a smile, I bring a lot of energy and I go out there and give it my hardest. I just think the fans notice that,” Slay said. “I think I’m a great role model for the kids, because a lot of kids love the finger wave.”
Slay’s Dikembe Mutombo-esque gesture with his finger is just part of his charm. After two more interceptions Saturday, the 26-year-old Slay leads the NFL with seven. He’s one of the biggest reasons the Lions have hung around in the NFC playoff race.
The Lions drafted Slay in the second round in 2013, and he’s been a standout in their secondary. Before the 2016 season, they signed him to an extension through 2020.
Interception stats can be deceiving for top cornerbacks. Some do such a good job deterring passes the ball isn’t thrown their way much. Slay had only six interceptions through his first four NFL seasons.
“I think he’s always had an inordinate amount of athletic ability. I mean, you could see that when he first came in the league,” coach Jim Caldwell said.
“He can run. He’s quick. He’s competitive. He loves to mix it up and now just through experience and seeing a lot of things throughout the years, he’s really coming into his own and playing extremely well.”
The Lions (8-6) beat Chicago 20-10 on Saturday. They were outgained but forced three turnovers while only committing one. Detroit’s plussix turnover margin on the season is tied for second in the NFC.
In the final minute Saturday, Slay intercepted a pass to put the game out of reach. Rather than just going to the ground — which Caldwell wanted — Slay tried to run the interception back, right in front of the Detroit sideline. He eventually went out of bounds.
“Started to tackle him,” Caldwell joked. “But you know, I would assume that would have been on ESPN and everything else, right?”
But Slay’s exuberance is an asset for the Lions and as much as he likes to exude confidence, he does have a little humility in him. He even admitted Monday he doesn’t think he’s one of the top two cornerbacks in the league.
“I ain’t top two yet — not in the league. I’d say I’m still about top five. I’ve just got the numbers this year,” Slay said. “I go by who does it the longest, and staying at a high level with it.”