So Long To Suh: Lions Decide To Move Forward
By: Alex LaGrone
Detroit Lions General Manger, Martin Mayhew, has made some good moves since he has taken over the position since Matt Millen's departure. Bringing in Jim Caldwell as head coach was one of them. Caldwell has brought in a winning attitude and is changing the culture.
Sometimes you can make your team better by doing some simple arithmetic, like adding and subtracting. After the Lions lost to the Dallas Cowboys in the playoffs, many felt that was the last time they would see Ndamukong Suh in a Lions uniform.
Suh is obviously is a great player that makes other players around him better. He practices hard, plays hard. Suh has been known as one of the dirtiest players in the league, if not the dirtiest.
Suh's antics on the field has run its course with team management, players, and fans alike. Yes, the Lions publicly said they would like him back, but really they knew some other team would pay him (over pay him) money they weren't willing to pay.
That team is the Miami Dolphins. The Dolphins paid a hefty price for Suh. The Dolphins are hoping Suh can behave himself and try to scrub off that dirty label that's on his back.
The Lions defense benefited by having Suh who draws so much attention by opposing teams offense. DE Ezekiel Ansah, was able to make plenty of plays and had a good year due to that fact.We should get a chance to see just how good Ansah really is without Suh on the defensive line.
The Lions also let Nick Fairley go. Fairley signed a one year contract with the St. Louis Rams. Fairley, you may remember, did play well at times but also spent time injured.
Fairley also spent plenty of time at the table. Fairley weight gain has been an issue during his career with the Lions. Fairley has also had a number of run-ins with the law.
The Lions did add former Baltimore Raven Pro Bowl DL Haloti Ngata to fill the void left by Suh. Can Ngata duplicate Suh? I doubt it, but Ngata should be a good addition. Ngata was suspended last year (four games) for violating the league substance abuse policy.
The Lions also let running back Reggie Bush go. The San Francisco 49ers signed the aging running back. I wonder if Reggie has enough gas left in the tank. With the upcoming draft drawing near, the Lions should go after one of the many talented running backs in this year's rookie draft.
