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Darius Slay Advancing For Detroit Lions While Joique Bell Is Fading Away In Lost Season

By Danny Cox

2015 has turned into a season that no-one understands for the Detroit Lions. The talent is still there from last year's playoff team, but the consistency has been nowhere to be found. Now, with one of the worst records in the NFL and the postseason virtually out of sight, it's time to start evaluating what changes need to be made.

With that being said, it's going to be interesting to see what happens once the season is over and the Lions prepare for 2016. A number of players currently on the roster may see their stock and position rise while others may find themselves looking for work elsewhere.

Darius Slay is turning into a top cover corner for the Lions

Cornerback Darius Slay has been one of the few bright spots for the Lions this season, and actually the NFL as a whole. He now ranks as the 10th best cover man in the NFL according to Pro Football Focus and he showed a lot more than anyone knew he had when the Lions beat the Green Bay Packers this past weekend.

Against the Pack, Slay covered Randall Cobb, Green Bay's top receiver, for the majority of the game.

"I think he certainly played tough, managed his area of responsibility I think very well," Lions coach Jim Caldwell said. "I think we all know he's got the skillset to be really an outstanding player and you see that from him. And (Sunday), they didn't take a whole lot of shots at him. They were working the other side more often than not, but when he was called upon to get it done he did well."

He's in just his third season, but he is coming around to be an elite corner, and it shows in his stats and in his play.

Running back Joique Bell needs to make way for younger rushers

One of the biggest reasons for the lack of offense from the Lions this year is the nonexistence of a running game. Nothing is working and no one can get it going, and that includes veteran Joique Bell who was the starter and expected to lead the team.

Unfortunately, he has not showed much at all this season, and needs to make way for others. He sat out a few games due to injury, but in six games, Bell has just 116 yards on 44 carries with one touchdown. Rookie Zach Zenner seemed to have the most promise, but an injury ended his season short.

Now, if rookie running back Ameer Abdullah can solve his fumbling issues, the bulk of Bell's carries need to be turned over to him. There is a very good chance that Joique Bell may find himself out of a Lions uniform in 2016 and hoping another team wants to take a chance on him.

Danny Cox knows a little something about the NFL, whether it means letting you know what penalty will come from the flag just thrown on the field or quickly spouting off who the Chicago Bears drafted in the first round of the 1987 draft (Jim Harbaugh). He plans on bringing you the best news, previews, recaps, and anything else that may come along with the exciting world of the National Football League. Danny is a freelance writer covering all things NFL. His work can be found on Examiner.com.

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