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The Detroit Lions didn't beat the Arizona Cardinals Week 1, as their game resulted in a 27-27 tie. However, cornerback Darius Slay won the day, as his statistics prove that he was the best cornerback of the week. According to Logan Lamorandier of Lion Lockdown, the Lions corner was targeted four times, resulting in one reception for six yards — you can call that lockdown.
That one reception for six yards was a “gimme,” according to Slay.
“I mean, I let him catch it because it was, like, third-and-16,” he said, per Kyle Meinke of Michigan Live.
According to Meinke, when Larry Fitzgerald gave the Lions problems late in the game, Slay was switched onto him. The result? Not a single catch allowed. When rookie quarterback Kyler Murray targeted Slay, he had just a 39.6 passer rating. Pro Football Focus gave the Lions corner a 72.1 overall grade for his Week 1 play.
Slay is no stranger to lockdown corner status. Though perhaps one of the more underrated players in the game, he's been to two straight Pro Bowls. In 2017, the 28-year-old was elected to the All-Pro First Team, in large part due to his league-leading eight interceptions. Throughout his career, Slay has amassed 91 pass deflections, 17 interceptions, 246 yards off of interceptions, and a pick six.
Last week, Slay got to face a rookie quarterback. In Week 2, he can't say the same. His Lions will host the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday. His task: contain two-time Pro Bowl receiver Keenan Allen, who will catch passes from the legendary Philip Rivers.
