CB Darius Slay a standout for Detroit

By Sports Info Solutions charting data from Football Outsiders, Slay ranks ninth among 92 corners thrown to at least 30 times in yards allowed per pass attempt at 5.4.

The Lions are playing coy with how Slay will be used against the Giants on Sunday, even though he’s usually tasked with defending the opponent’s No.

Slay does not typically play the slot and the Giants have been moving Beckham inside more as the season has gone on, opposed to the start of the season when Sterling Shepard played almost all of the snaps there.

Against the New Orleans Saints, Slay lined up against rookie receiver Michael Thomas (bottom of screen).

Slay has 13 pass breakups on the season, which is tied for 13th in the league and more impressive when factoring in his two games missed this season.

Slay also has the ability to hang with receivers after pressing and playing physical off the line.

When Bellamy broke to the middle of the field, Slay remained underneath and was able to get himself into position for a deflection that sealed the game for the Lions.

It’s not realistic for cornerbacks to stop every pass against them from being completed, but the best corners limit the damage on the completed passes.

Knowing he had safety help over the top to pick up the outside receiver, Slay broke and jumped in front of Adam Thielen to pick off Sam Bradford’s pass, which eventually handed Detroit the win.

There’s no question Slay has been one of the best corners in the league this season, but Beckham does appear to be the toughest matchup the Lions have seen at receiver.