SPORTS

Abdul-Quddus' stats belie value to Lions' special teams

Josh Katzenstein
The Detroit News

Allen Park — The Lions claiming safety Isa Abdul-Quddus was a transaction that went under the radar last year, partly because of the timing — a day after the Super Bowl — and because he didn’t have eye-popping numbers during three years with the New Orleans Saints.

And in his first year with the Lions, Abdul-Quddus didn’t have incredible statistics either as he finished the season with 32 tackles and two passes defenses. However, the backup safety proved to be invaluable in 2014 and should be a key contributor, particularly on special teams, again in 2015.

“He’s more plow horse than show horse,” coach Jim Caldwell said of why the 26-year-old excels on special teams. “He’s a guy that likes to get down in the middle of it and doesn’t mind the dirty work, and then not only that, he’s extremely versatile. He has an extremely high football IQ, so all of those things I think help him.”

Abdul-Quddus started three games for the Lions last year while James Ihedigbo dealt with an injury at the start of the season and played well with 18 tackles and two pass break-ups in those games. He also earned playing time on defense in the Lions’ three-safety package in which Abdul-Quddus typically played free safety while Glover Quin slid into the slot cornerback role.

But Abdul-Quddus’ most consistent contributions came on special teams as someone who played in all four of the main units — return and coverage for both kickoffs and punts. Last year, his three special teams tackles tied him for fourth on the team with Theo Riddick and behind Tahir Whitehead (eight), Jed Collins (five) and Don Carey (four). He also blocked a 52-yard field goal in the regular-season finale against the Packers.

“I think my aggressiveness,” Abdul-Quddus said when asked why he thrives on special teams. “I’m always coming down, I’m not afraid to hit anybody and I’m going to fly around.”

Asked how he’s performed thus far in the preseason, Abdul-Quddus said he “threw my body around pretty well.” He’s tied for third on the team in tackles through three exhibitions, and that tenacity, as Caldwell called it, has helped endear him to the coaching staff.

Meanwhile, his ability to play both safety spots has likely ensured that he’ll be around this season.

“I try to understand the entire defense,” he said. “I want to know what both side safeties are doing. As long as I detail it, I think they’ll think I can play both sides.”

And he’s not worried about flying under the radar.

“I don’t really think about it,” he said. “I just try to every day do my role the best that I can.”

jkatzenstein@detroitnews.com

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