5 Reasons The Detroit Lions D-Line Will Live Up To Expectations In 2013
By Josh Albee
1. Suh and Fairley are now officially a starting duo
Dec. 2, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) scrambles out of the pocket while being pressured by Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh (90) and defensive tackle Nick Fairley (98) in the second quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Remember when Nick Fairley was supposed to be number one or two overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft? Remember when he slipped to the Lions at 13? Remember how excited the TV announcers were at the idea of Suh and Fairley on the same line?!
Lions fans have been salivating for the chance to see these two beasts build a defense together. With Corey Williams a solid starter, there was no need for such a thing to happen in 2011….or 2012. Fans were happy to have Williams and Fairley, but the concept of Suh and Fairley was always in the back of everyone’s minds when they tried to explain the “potential” of the Detroit Lions to friends and coworkers. In 2012 the two finally got to start side-by-side in a handful of games. Yet, all of the ups, downs, mistakes, and failures of 2012 made it frustrating to think that the two had not been starting together since week 1.
Some may believe that Ziggy Ansah can contribute this season, others may not be so optimistic. One thing is for sure: With a healthy and hungry Suh and Fairley in the middle of the line….who cares?! Fans can sit back and breathe easy while being treated to whatever additional contributions the defensive ends can manage.