The Athleticism of Ndamukong Suh

     The Detroit Lions are 4-0! The same Detroit Lions in which three years ago, broke an NFL record in becoming the only team to go 0-16? What type of turn around allowed the Lions to do so well this year? Obviously having Calvin Johnson, the best WR in the NFL, helps (if you don't think so click here ). Otherwise, their offense hasn't changed drastically throughout the past three years. Their is one player however, a 'beast', who has torn apart team's offenses due to his size, strength and speed. Quarterbacks fear him. Running backs don't run his way. How can one player be so influential on a defense? We will never be able to explain the pure athleticism of Ndamukong Suh.

Ndamukong Suh

     Although he has only been in the league for less than two years, Suh has already made his mark in the league even before his first regular season game. The Lions were facing off against the Cleveland Browns in a preseason match-up during Suh's rookie year. As Jake Dehlomme, the QB for Cleveland, was being heavily pressured by the Lions defensive line. Suh was running straight at the Cleveland QB, so Dehlomme decided to pitch it to an open WR. He had clearly gotten rid of the football, but that did not stop Suh from grabbing his facemask, and hurling Dehlomme to the ground. Fans watching the game were shocked by this blatant illegal hit, by a player who has not even played a regular season game. After that moment, everyone knew Ndamukong Suh was one of the most threatening players in the NFL.
     Ndamukong Suh has agility, strength, and bursts of speed which allows him to be a complete pass rusher. Although he is only 307 pounds (I won't be able to say THAT many times in my life), he has the power to play nose tackle. His outstanding athleticism allows him to chase down the best of running backs. In his rookie season, Suh had 66 tackles, 1 interception and 10 sacks. However, these statistics can not accurately describe the all around skill of Ndamukong Suh. He has many years ahead of him, and if injuries do not become a problem, #90 will be one of the greatest defensive tackles in football history.