The Detroit Lions will be moving on without Louis Delmas, but they still have Glover Quin with James Ihedigbo expected to start next to him.
The Detroit Lions struggled on pass defense, but they had respectable play from their starting safeties, Louis Delmas and Glover Quin.
However, Delmas often struggled to be a consistent tackler despite displaying solid coverage skills. The free safety was released by the Lions, and he signed with the Miami Dolphins.
James Ihedigbo, who was let go in free agency by the Baltimore Ravens, signed a two-year deal with the Lions and will presumably take over at strong safety.
His coverage skills leave a lot to be desired, but his run support is solid. The starting job will not be his right away though since the former Raven will face competition, primarily from Isa Abdul-Quddus.
Abdul-Quddus has previous starting experience with the New Orleans Saints, and he also offers special teams experience. Abdul-Quddus started for the Saints in their playoff win against the Lions following the 2011 season.
Quin will resume his role as the starter at strong safety in Detroit. The former Houston Texan displayed solid coverage skills and is capable of playing both free and strong safety. He will start at free safety, and he finished with three interceptions while adding two sacks in 2013.
Don Carey also offers versatility at safety, but his coverage skills were inadequate. However, the Lions appear to have faith in him as they gave him a three-year contract extension.
The Lions will probably keep four safeties on the roster, and like the cornerbacks, they will need to step up their play.
COMMENTS