Detroit Lions Midseason Grades: Safety Report Card

Glover Quin

Oct 6, 2013; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers tight end Jermichael Finley (88) reaches out with the football as Detroit Lions safety Glover Quin (27) defends during the third quarter at Lambeau Field. The Packers won 22-9. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Production

The more coverage-oriented member of the Lions’ safety tandem, Quin has predictably been great in coverage, and less so in stopping the run. He has pulled down two interceptions, and is allowed a QB rating of only 54.6 on passes thrown in his area.

Grade: B+

Impact

Quin hasn’t been penalized a single time this season, and his only negatively-graded game (by Pro Football Focus standards) in pass coverage this season was his most recent against Dallas, where he pulled a -1.5 grade. Other than that, he has been a huge boost to secondary that hasn’t had two quality starting safeties in years. Of his two interceptions, one was game-ending against Minnesota, and the other he returned to the two-yard line against Chicago.

Grade: A-

Vs. Expectations

Quin is making decent money to be a Detroit Lion, and he’s living up to his contract. The expectation was that he would provide the Lions will quality safety play, especially in high coverage. That is exactly what he has done, with very few mistakes along the way.

Grade: A

Overall

It’s hard to imagine the Lions being any happier with Quin at this point in the season. He’s not playing at a Pro Bowl level or anything, but he has given them talent and consistency at safety, and consequently given Delmas the freedom to roam the field (for better or worse). Now they just hope he plays like this for the last four-and-a-half years of his contract.

Grade: A-