Isa Abdul Quddus Leaving Detroit Worried Fans To Rely On Bush And Wilson
During the off-season, Detroit had a tough decision to make for the safety position. Isa Abdul-Quddus was signing with the Miami Dolphins and Detroit didn’t have a strong safety that was capable of starting on the team and the top safety in the free agent market re-signed with his team. That left Detroit with some risks in signing backup safety Tavon Wilson and injury and penalty problem Rafael Bush. They also drafted Miles Killebrew to help with the position battle as well. So far, all three players have contributed well and have proven to be a big help in the Lions secondary.
How They Have Impacted The Team
While the main focus of this article is on Tavon Wilson and Rafael Bush, you can’t just ignore Miles Killebrew. While he has played a hybrid safety/linebacker role, Killebrew has made some big tackles when needed. His coverage on linebackers has been well and he doesn’t let people go when he wraps them up. He has gotten 15 total tackles, a pass deflection and an interception. Good play by the rookie so far.
Now on to Bush. Bush is on a one year deal for $1.25 million, a cheap contract for someone who has been playing well for the team. While Tavon has been starting 12 times this year, Bush has gotten his fair share of playing time. Bush has a total of 42 tackles, three pass deflections, a sack and two interceptions with one going for six points. Bush was a steal in the free agent class as he dealt with injuries in 2014 and 2015, playing in just 11 games in that two year span. Bush is on pace to have this year be his best one since coming into the league since 2011.
Tavon Wilson Looks Like A Starter
Tavon Wilson is the final impressive piece in the trio of strong safeties. Tavon was a backup in New England for four years, only starting in four games during that time, all coming from his rookie season. He also signed a cheap contract to head to the Motor City, signing a two year deal for $2.2 million and it seems that he might be asking for a raise in 2017 if we want to bring him back past next season. Wilson has been a big help in the air raid attack. He has a total of 64 tackles, two interceptions, pass deflections and fumble recoveries. His coverage skills have been impressive, but like Killebrew, he makes some key tackles when needed.
He certainly isn’t playing like a backup, the man is turning into a sufficient starting safety alongside Glover Quin. The credit for finding these three men goes to GM Bob Quinn and his ability to find talent. He came from the Patriots who are known for signing a nobody and turning them into a somebody, something Quinn helped with when he was a scout for seven years. Then getting promoted to Director of Pro Scouting. He knew about Wilson’s ability since he was on his former team, but to take a risk on Bush and drafting Killebrew were smart moves by a solid GM. Detroit was able to make a tough situation into a solid one by taking chances on unknown players, and it is paying off.
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