5 Reasons The Detroit Lions D-Line Will Live Up To Expectations In 2013
By Josh Albee
3. Suh and Fairley stepping up this offseason
May 22, 2013; Allen Park, MI, USA; Detroit Lions defensive end Ndamukong Suh (90) during organized team activities at Lions training facility. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Everyone heard the infamous Super Bowl prediction from the mouth of Nick Fairley. Maybe he will never fully mature…..or maybe fans should just be happy that he cares so much. Regardless, Fairley has also claimed this offseason that he wants to become more of a leader. With all of the veterans that left, a young player like Fairley can be much more comfortable trying to take ownership of the defense around him. Maybe a combination of leadership from Fairley and Suh will keep the young line motivated.
Ndomakong Suh has sure gotten his image out there this offseason, starting with a splash (pun intended). Although the celebrity diving show was a rocky start to the offseason in the minds of many, Suh has also started to attend Red Wings and Tigers games, showing an unprecedented and sincere commitment to the Detroit sports community.
There is also substance to Suh’s offseason, as he has been working extremely hard on individual conditioning. Suh trained at Michael Johnson Performance in Texas for six weeks. It is clear that he is a player focused on constant improvement in his physical game. In addition to strength and speed, Suh is always working on agility, endurance, reflexivity, and balance. Fans can hope that Suh will be as good or better than ever in 2013.
With Suh leading by example and Fairley holding others accountable, the new defensive ends should have a relatively nice transition to the team.