The Sports Xchange

ALLEN PARK, Mich. – Detroit Lions cornerback Darius Slay is working on his off-man coverage skills in OTAs, hoping to become well-rounded after proving to be solid in press in 2014.

Slay also said he’s trying to become one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL in his third season.

“Right now, I’m in that path, I feel like I’m in that path,” Slay said.

Slay started all 16 games last seasons, with 17 passes defensed and two interceptions.

He said he needs to improve his interception totals to be in the discussion of top cornerbacks, but thinks another year in defensive coordinator Teryl Austin’s scheme should help him improve.

“I’m more of an aggressive, just in-your-face type corner, so that’s what he made me into,” Slay said. “And I like it. I like to compete every play. I don’t like being soft and all that, so I just like to grind and go get it.”

–Undrafted rookie kicker Kyle Brindza went 8-for-8 on field-goal attempts on Wednesday, making two from 33 yards and six from 36. With Matt Prater signed for three years, Brindza has little chance to make the team, but he has done well so far.

“We had a couple situations last week where we put him in game-winning kick situations, and he did well,” head coach Jim Caldwell said. “But he’s pretty versatile and he’s eager, so he’s doing well right now.”

–Wide receiver Golden Tate said he has seen more focus from tight end Eric Ebron recently.

“Eric’s hungry and this week specifically, he’s been phenomenal with catching the ball and after the catch,” Tate said. “Linebackers are having a tough time covering him, and even safeties.

“Hopefully, he’s not letting that get into his head and hopefully he’s trying to fix the problem. He’s been working hard, and he’s improved a whole lot, and we’re excited for him this year.”

–Rookie running back Ameer Abdullah has impressed coaches so far with his skills as a receiver.

“He’s even better in that phase of the game than I thought when we drafted him, so it was kind of a bonus when you see how well he catches the ball and how well he runs routes,” offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi said.