It was just two season ago that teams headed for Ford Field and a game against the Detroit Lions could pretty much chalk one up in the win column. The Detroit Lions were mostly beaten before they started, a team with lesser talent, no rush, and no offense.
But that scenario has undergone big changes. My advice to any team playing the Detroit Lions in 2011 is to be on your toes and make sure you’re planning on protecting your quarterback. The Detroit Lions have finally begun to use their high draft choices effectively and now feature a defense with tons of talent on the line.
Ndamukong Suh tore up the NFL in his rookie season, making the Pro Bowl with 10 sacks. For a guy playing an interior line position that’s unheard of. Corey Williams became an immovable object next to Suh, forcing teams to run to the outside. And now, the Detroit Lions will throw in top draft choice Nick Fairley, who many see as being the best lineman to ever come out of Auburn.
The trio guarantee the Lions a pass rush few teams can equal. The question now is whether teams can scheme against the Lions pass rush. If they can’t, their quarterbacks are going to have a hell of a time. Beware the Detroit Lions.