With the offseason in swing. One of the common misconceptions is the cap casualties. Fans and media gather up who they believe will be let go to free up cap. Two names I’ve been seeing a lot are Reggie Bush and Stephen Tulloch. While I agree with the former, I don’t see any reason why the Lions would even think about giving Tulloch his walking papers. Here is why:
THERE IS STILL PLENTY OF GAS LEFT IN THE TANK.
Sep 14, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart (28) runs the ball before being tackled by Detroit Lions middle linebacker Stephen Tulloch (55) during the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
At only 30 years old Tulloch is still a big part of this defense. Even though he missed almost the entire 2014 season. Tulloch finished 8th in tackles last season and was regarded as one of the better middle linebackers in the league. Even this year before the injury he had already tallied 20 tackles and 2 sacks in just 3 games. He was clearly on pace for another great season. To let that kind of production walk away would be a waste.
TULLOCH IS A LEADER ON DEFENSE.
Aug 22, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions linebacker Stephen Tulloch (55) is announced before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
As a seasoned vet, Tulloch is looked at as a leader on this defense. He controls the middle and has helped Levy and even Palmer get better. Having Tulloch in the front 7 fixes the issue of getting burned over the middle. Too many time this season Tahir Whitehead got burned by a Tight end or Receiver going over the middle. Tulloch effectively stopped that problem early on in the season. Whitehead can still flex in and be a rotational guy. Ultimately it could make him a better player by playing less snaps and learning from Tulloch.
HE WON’T CELEBRATE A SACK EVER AGAIN.
Nov 28, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions middle linebacker Stephen Tulloch (55) sacks Green Bay Packers quarterback Matt Flynn (10) during the second quarter during a NFL football game on Thanksgiving at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Looking back on the Sack celebration that cost Tulloch his season. It seems like a freak occurrence. Tulloch has otherwise been an iron man throughout his career. It’s because he has been smart about his body for years. He trains right and doesn’t make dumb decisions.
Sure what happened was dumb, but it wasn’t as if he sacked a 2nd string quarterback in the 4th quarter of a blowout loss. He made a play on the best quarterback in the game and jumped out of excitement. 75% of the league tore it’s ACL in the past 2 years. It could happen to anybody. You still don’t let that kind of player walk.
WHY HE MAY BE IN TROUBLE AFTER ALL.
Jan 4, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Detroit Lions middle linebacker Tahir Whitehead (59) reacts to a defensive play against the Dallas Cowboys during the third quarter in the NFC Wild Card Playoff Game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
The fact of the matter is that he did get hurt. Tahir Whitehead for the most part had a successful season in relief of Tulloch. Whitehead finished 2nd in tackles and added 2 interceptions as well. For a guy that had never started in NFL that is pretty impressive.
Secondly the Lions proved that the defense can succeed without him as they spent most of the season as the leagues #1 defense. Plus with Kyle Van Noy expected to have a much better sophomore season and Travis Lewis still a long-term project, It’s hard to imagine Tulloch sticking around. Lastly the Lions need the money to make sure that Ndamukong Suh stays a Lion.
In closing, Tulloch has been a fan favorite around Detroit since his arrival in 2011. It would be a shame to see him go. I believe that the Lions will hold on to him for at least another year. What do you think?