By Michael Stets
INDIANAPOLIS–The Detroit Lions’ defense had a good day playing against the Colts in the first of two joint practice sessions on Thursday. And the team’s best cornerback, Darius Slay, led the way with two interceptions.
The first interception came while Slay was running across the field. He read quarterback Scott Tolzien and cut in front of the intended Colts receiver to make the catch, which he bobbled briefly before securing it. The second, came off a tipped pass, which Slay easily grabbed before heading up field.
“Big Play’s” focus for 2017: make more big plays.
“Oh yeah, that’s my goal: contribute more picks to the team and create more turnovers for the team,” Slay said after practice. “Just lead the team. That’s all I”m trying to do is lead the team in the right direction and become one of the best in the game and help our team become one of the best in the league.”
Turnovers were extremely hard to come by for the Lions in 2016. The team finished among the bottom of the league with only 14 takeaways (10 INT, 4 FUM). Slay finished the season with only two interceptions, his last coming in a Week 13 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings.
So, to improve in that area this season, the Lions have now implemented a turnover circuit in practice to help the defense create more of them during games. Among other things, they work on stripping the ball and catching balls tipped in the air. Slay says, so far it’s working well because by practicing that circuit, it will translate to the field during games.
“If you don’t practice it, than you don’t do it in the game,” said Slay. “Now we are practicing so it’s kind of common when you make a tackle to strip, or [catching a ball on the] sideline [with] two feet in.”
Slay is aware of the lack of turnovers the Lions forced in 2016, but according to him the defense is now trending up as they ready for the 2017 season.
“We have more intensity and understanding,” he said. “We are doing a pretty good job right now. We are moving forward and we will continue to keep doing that.”
Turnovers are often feast or famine in the NFL. And sometimes, they seem impossible to get. Last season, the Jacksonville Jaguars set a record for going 23 consecutive quarters without a turnover, before recovering a muffed punt against the Lions in Week 11. Other times, they come in waves and appear to rapidly spread throughout an entire defense.
Does Slay think turnovers are contagious?
“Yeah, it’s like the chickenpox. If I touch one and you touch me, you might get one too.”