Jim Caldwell Happy With Darius Slay's Maturation, Confidence

By Ashley Scoby
@AshleyScoby

Darius Slay isn't exactly shy. His Twitter handle is "@_bigplayslay9." He made headlines recently because of his desire for a new nickname ("the earth" because he can "cover anybody on the planet").

But that attitude? It's something that Lions head coach Jim Caldwell is a big fan of.

Two years removed from being drafted in the second round out of Mississippi State, Slay exploded from his first to second seasons. In his rookie year with Detroit, Slay didn't have any interceptions to go along with his 27 tackles and six passes defended. Last season, he returned his two picks for 42 yards, and added 49 tackles and 18 passes defended. He also started in all 16 games during the Lions' 11-5 regular season.

"You could see that Darius had a lot of talent and ability, and he's just been maturing and functioning better all the time," Caldwell said. "I think a lot of it is his confidence. He always had the physical skills but now he's putting the knowledge along with it, along with Rashean Mathis and the other safeties sort of helping along with that process. He's really coming along."

Cornerbacks – from Darrelle Revis to Richard Sherman and Deion Sanders – are often known for their self-confidence and brashness. They have to engage in one-on-one combat against top receivers, which only invites trash talk. And it's a position where it's crucial to focus on the times you beat your man and forget about the failures.

Slay is no exception to that profile.

"With the position he plays, you better have some confidence," Caldwell said. "You have to be a riverboat gambler with a short memory. I think he's got that kind of attitude."