Detroit Lions at the halfway mark: Positional report cards
Cornerbacks
It’s such a critical position in the NFL, and the Lions’ uneven play from their cornerbacks is a significant factor in their disappointing record after eight games. The Lions’ sleepy pass rush has forced their corners into some tricky positions, and they have made a handful of important plays. However, they haven’t made enough of them overall (just two interceptions total from this group) leading to some tough losses.
Darius Slay remains an excellent corner and his continued strong play along with heavy demand at the position made him a popular name around the trade deadline. To little surprise, Slay stayed put. It does raise questions about his long term future with the team, however.
He’s approaching 30, wasn’t given the contract extension he sought this offseason and has been rather outspoken about certain facets of the team operation with which he disagrees.
On game day, Slay’s side of the field is often ignored, a testament to his ever-strong coverage ability. He is targeted so seldom that he is currently on pace for his fewest passes defensed since his rookie season. It’s also given him fewer opportunities to cause turnovers; he has just two interceptions over his last twelve games. He has missed two games due to a hamstring injury.
Slot corner Justin Coleman has had an up and down first season in Detroit, alternating brilliant performances with average ones. Mostly, he’s looked like a fine addition, making plays all over the field, including outstanding performances against the Philadelphia Eagles, Kansas City Chiefs, and Green Bay Packers.
Coleman though has had some rough outings recently, giving up a crucial late-game reception to receiver Stefon Diggs in a loss to the Minnesota Vikings, and the eventual game-winning touchdown to rookie Oakland Raiders wideout Hunter Renfrow.
The rest of the unit has been unspectacular. Veteran Rashaan Melvin has looked average in his reunion with Patricia, seesawing decent performances poor ones. Mike Ford has filled in adequately for Slay when needed, though he shouldn’t be relied upon for extended quality playing time. He has played just 134 defensive snaps all year
Should the Lions season go completely belly-up in the second half of the season, it would behoove them to get a longer look at rookie Amani Oruwariye. He has appeared in just one game all season – with only special teams snaps – due to the veterans ahead of him.
He has also dealt with a knee injury, keeping him on the inactive list most weeks. He offers intriguing size at 6-2, and will likely be depended upon much more in his second season, regardless of how much he’s seen the field in 2019.
Grade: C+