Detroit Lions: Glover Quin’s impact goes beyond the stat sheet
By Erik Schlitt
Detroit Lions veteran safety Glover Quin is the leader on defense and his impact goes beyond the numbers on his stat sheet.
Do a Google or Twitter search on Detroit Lions safety Glover Quin and most of the results will be about his off-the-field ventures. Recently, he joined teammate Anquan Boldin in visiting the United States Congress to discuss racial relations between police and the community. In October, he was featured in Business Insider for his smart investing strategy.
Locally, he’s made a point of reaching out to the fans. After starting the season 1-3, the Lions returned home for a game against the Philadelphia Eagles, and Quin had a message for the One Pride family. He talked about how the players rely on the fans when they’re at home, and how the players need the fans to help them get back to their winning ways.
Over the ensuing five games, the Lions would work their way into first place in the division. When they returned home to face the Jacksonville Jaguars in week 11, Glover Quin would call on the fans once again.
Regardless of the situation Glover Quin is finding ways to make the fans feel like a part of this team.
On The Field
Glover Quin has started 111 straight games: the most of any safety in the NFL. He talked with Paula Pasche about his five habits that keep him prepared: 1) allowing his body to heal in the off-season, 2) practice every day during the season, 3) no alcohol during the season, 4) lots of water, and 5) he diets but still makes room for desert.
#Lions Jim Caldwell on Glover Quin's starting streak: ... Helps you rest better at night bc he can solve a lot of problems on the field.
— Paula Pasche (@paulapasche) October 12, 2016
But just being available to play is only a small fraction of what he brings to the table. Quin started off the season playing at a “Pro Bowl Level” according to Jim Caldwell. And while he’s not putting up those 2014 statistics, like the seven interceptions he had two years ago, it’s his intangibles that are making the differences in games this season.
Talked to Glover Quin about tells a few weeks ago. He wouldn't divulge any of his secrets, but it was clearly an important part of his game.
— Justin Rogers | Detroit News (@Justin_Rogers) November 3, 2016
Quin’s ability to read offensive ‘tells” have played been critical to the Lions success this season. Here’s a look at two game ending plays where Glover Quin had a significant role in the outcome, without actually making a play.
Los Angles Rams Game
On the final defensive play of the game Rafael Bush made an athletic play and undercut the route to make the interception and seal the victory. Here’s a clip of the interception if you want to relive it.
What you won’t see on the replay, is that pre-snap Rafael Bush was actually running to line up on the other side of the field. It was Glover Quin who quickly recognized the offensive formation and redirected him over the tight end. If Quin doesn’t recognize this read, the game could’ve easily had a different result.
Minnesota Vikings Game
Darius Slay is the hero in this one, when he undercuts a pass intended for Adam Thielen and makes the game ending interception. But just like in the Rams game, it’s Glover Quin making a pre-snap read and adjusts the coverage call. Here’s what Slay said to the Free Press:
"“We been working it all week,” Slay said. “It’s our little deal we do when we get a speed out (route) and GQ makes the call. So GQ made a great call, put us in a great position and I made the play.”"
Slay, of course, still had to bait Sam Bradford into throwing the pass, and make an athletic play on the ball. But, this was another incident where a teammate is able to make a play because of Glover Quin’s intelligence.
Without Glover Quin, the Lions likely don’t win either of those games and this season has an entirely different outlook. Don’t get fooled by looking at the stat sheet and thinking Glover Quin is having a down year. His impact on this season goes way beyond that.