SideLion Report
FanSided

Detroit Lions: Glover Quin’s elite play continues to go under the radar

By Justin Ochsner

NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 04: Glover Quin #27 of the Detroit Lions reacts with teammates after intercepting a pass druing the second half of a game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 4, 2016 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 04: Glover Quin #27 of the Detroit Lions reacts with teammates after intercepting a pass druing the second half of a game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 4, 2016 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Detroit Lions safety Glover Quin has been playing at an elite level without the national recognition of other similarly-talented players at the position.

Detroit Lions fans know this to be true and last week we talked about the same thing. The national media picks their favorites and talks up certain players. Other players that are just as good, if not better, aren’t always given their due respect. While we can’t expect every news organization to talk up every player, it would be nice to give credit where it is due.

In 2011, Cris Carter even went as far as to say former Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson wasn’t one of the top receivers in the game. That same year, Johnson caught 16 touchdowns, totaled 1,681 yards and averaged 105.1 yards per game. This year, it’s a player on the other side of the ball getting little attention for his efforts: Lions safety Glover Quin.

You won’t find Quin’s name on the list of Top 10 safeties from Pro Football Weekly. You’ll hear names like Landon Collins, Earl Thomas, Eric Berry and Harrison Smith. None of these players have more interceptions than Quin since 2012.

Let’s lay out those interception numbers for you: Thomas has 16, Smith has 13 and Berry has 10. How about Quin? He has 20. Collins has six total since entering the league in 2015. Quin also has six in that time frame.

Continuing with the turnover talk, let’s look at forced fumbles since 2015. Quin has four, Collins has two and the other players listed above have one each. So, the Lions safety has double or more than the players commonly highlighted by the national media.

Turnovers are big statistics for defensive players as they can be game-changing. These players are all great in their own right. But Quin has earned the right to be included in this list. He’s helped the Lions to an NFL best +9 turnover differential this season with two interceptions and two forced fumbles through four games.

Some might say Quin lacks the big-hitting power of other players at the position. With 19 solo tackles this year, he is still an effective and sure tackler. Big hits are be used to enforce one’s will on the offensive player. Forcing fumbles or stealing the ball out of the air can have the same overall effect.

Next: Step aside Ziggy! Lions have a new sack leader

Not having big hit ability shouldn’t be a knock on a player who is putting games away for the Lions. Give me the effective player who’s making a difference and winning games every day of the week. And give him some credit while you’re at it.

Home/Lions News