Glover Quin Playing at All-Pro Level for Lions Secondary
He doesn't get the notoriety of Ndamukong Suh or the growing national respect of DeAndre Levy, but the most important player on the Detroit Lions' highly ranked defense just might be safety Glover Quin.
In his second season in Detroit, the veteran safety has emerged as one of the best defenders in the league and a stalwart at his position. While Lions fans have seen it all season, it's time for the secret to get out to the nation at large.
Some have already started to notice. Quin earned the NFC's Defensive Player of the Week following Week 15, when he snagged a key interception to spark a successful comeback effort.
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"Glover Quin does it again with his 6th pick of the year!
— Jennifer Hammond (@HammerFox2) December 14, 2014"
That interception stemmed from Quin's preternatural understanding of his role in new defensive coordinator Teryl Austin's defense. He's perfectly deployed as the coverage safety.
From the get-go on this play, Quin is showing his responsibility. With three receivers to the right, Quin posits himself over the top and in the middle of the bunch, ready to react to whatever happens with the coverage in front of him.
As the Vikings receivers flesh out their routes, Quin remains perfectly leveraged to help over the top on the outside receiver or underneath on the tight end breaking outside. Not many safeties display this level of positional discipline and patience, instead opting to guess and commit to just one option.
His patience is rewarded. As soon as Teddy Bridgewater lets it fly to the shorter receiver, Quin explodes to the point of attack.
The throw is slightly off the mark, and Quin is right there to make an easy, game-changing interception. He nearly took the pick to the house, but the Lions quickly cashed it in for a touchdown. All of the sudden a 14-0 deficit turned around, and the Lions fed off Quin's big play to rally for the victory.
The former Texan has been a catalyst for defensive greatness all season long. He's earned the second-highest grade for safeties from Pro Football Focus (subscription required) on the season, trailing only Eric Weddle of the Chargers.
His grades are significantly higher than the players who earned All-Pro status in 2013.
| Overall | Coverage | Run | YAC | INTs | |
| Glover Quin | 17.5 | 12.9 | 4.2 | 51 | 7 |
| Earl Thomas | 10.6 | 5.6 | 3.1 | 136 | 1 |
| Eric Berry | -1.7 | -2.1 | -0.2 | 104 | 0 |
| Eric Weddle | 20.7 | 12.9 | 8.1 | 105 | 1 |
| Kam Chancellor | 8.6 | 5.2 | 2.3 | 177 | 1 |
| Devin McCourty | 11.6 | 6.6 | 4.3 | 176 | 2 |
| T.J. Ward | 1.9 | -7.2 | 3.1 | 473 | 2 |
| Antrel Rolle | -10.1 | -0.7 | -6.4 | 403 | 3 |
*Berry played just six games.
The yards-after-catch (YAC) figure stands out not only because of how much lower his figure is compared to his top peers, but for its impact on Detroit's defense. Quin has helped eliminate the disastrous big plays that have been a perennial thorn in the Lions' paw.
Here's a great example from Detroit's worst game, against New England. Quin demonstrates why it's so hard to attack the Lions defense either vertically or horizontally.
The Patriots are trying to run a quick screen and take advantage of a numbers game on the left side. Quin is initially blocked by the slot wideout as Tom Brady delivers the ball quickly to the flaring receiver. New England has two blockers to take out the two Detroit defenders and clean lanes around them.
Quin has nothing to do with New England's intentions. He quickly sheds the first block, then artfully dodges the second. Instead of finding a clear path to run, Julian Edelman finds Quin hitting his chest and striking him to the ground for a short loss.
Even if Quin doesn't make the tackle, his proper outside leverage and quick ability to beat the block ruined the play. Other pursuing Lions would have easily cleaned it up, but Quin didn't need any help.
Though Quin's primary role as the free safety is his coverage responsibility, No. 27 is still quite effective against the run as well. This is where the interchangeable safety roles the Lions played under Jim Schwartz pay dividends.
Quin had to play the run more than most "free" safeties in the old scheme, as he and Louis Delmas traded run and pass responsibilities. Now James Ihedigbo has taken on the more traditional strong safety role and Quin the free. They work great together in part because Quin can still handle the run if needed, as he did here against the Vikings.
It's the red zone, which means Quin doesn't have to worry about deep coverage. As a result, he inserts himself close to the line. He knows linebacker DeAndre Levy will handle the slot receiver releasing over the middle, so Quin is free to focus on the back.
As he did versus New England, Quin easily defeats the block and attacks the football. Ben Tate has no chance, dropped for a one-yard loss. The Lions later blocked a field goal on this possession.
His coaches and teammates certainly appreciate how invaluable Quin is to Detroit's defensive success. As reported by Paula Pasche of the Oakland Press, head coach Jim Caldwell was effusive in his praise:
"(Quin) plays consistently well, he’s a sure tackler, he’s opportunistic, and he does a great job of tracking the ball,’’ Caldwell said. “As you can see he’s made a couple of tremendous interceptions off of tips that were quite a ways away from his area of responsibility. He’s a great communicator and does a great job in terms of leadership so he does everything well.
"
Then there's Ndamukong Suh's amusing, impromptu video bomb proclaiming his teammate the best safety in the league.
It's time for the rest of the NFL to bestow that kind of respect on Quin. He's earned All-Pro status with his outstanding play in 2014.
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