The X-factor: Detroit’s defense

Darius Slay of Mississippi State was drafted in the second round, 36th overall, by the Detroit Lions.

Credit: ASSOCIATED PRESS

Credit: ASSOCIATED PRESS

Darius Slay of Mississippi State was drafted in the second round, 36th overall, by the Detroit Lions.

The Lions’ defense has been stingy early in the season. They gave up only 107 yards rushing in shutting down the Seahawks and Giants.

The Lions also created five turnovers.

Former Falcons linebacker Paul Worrilow was playing at the Lions’ third linebacker, but was pulled from the last game after getting beat on a long pass to Giants tight end Jerell Adams.

Rookie Jalen Reeves-Maybin replaced Worrilow at outside linebacker and played alongside Tahir Whitehead in the nickel defense.

The back end of the Lions’ defense is in good hands with free safety Glover Quin and cornerback Darius Slay.

Seahawks All-Pro CB Richard Sherman is the only player in NFL with more interceptions than Quin since 2013, with 18. Quin has 17 interceptions since 2013 and led the league with seven in 2014.

“Defensively, they are very good tacklers especially in the secondary,” Falcons coach Dan Quinn said.