The Ugly World of Ndamukong Suh

                Unless you live under a rock, you are well aware of the good and the bad impact that Lions’ all pro defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh has had on the NFL. First the good. After an unbelievable senior season at Nebraska where from his defensive tackle position Suh lead the Cornhuskers in tackles, recorded 24 tackles for a loss, chalked up 12 sacks, blocked three kicks, and finished fourth in Heisman voting, he was draft number two overall behind only Sam Bradford. His rookie season was just as impressive as he won defensive rookie of the year, was named to the all pro team, and was the first Detroit Lion since Barry Sanders to be voted a Pro Bowl starter. This season started just as well as a team built around play makers on both sides of the ball propelled the Lions to their first (5-0) start in 55 years. On the other of the coin, Ndamukong has earned a reputation as the dirtiest play in the NFL by continuing to hit quarterbacks and every other position illegally and late culminating in an ejection from the team’s most recent game. He has paid for his mistakes through fines totaling $42,500 and counting along with an endless amount of public criticism.

Twenty seven games into Ndamukong Suh’s young career in which I have watched every play, I am left confused. I do not really know how to feel after watching a player consistently make mental errors that costs his team dearly. I do not think labeling him a dirty player and being done with it is sufficient. After playing every sport under the sun since I could walk, I have encountered my share of dirty play. My definition may be a little different than others. The dirtiest a person can play in my opinion is to take advantage of holes in the rules of the game or the human error that exists for officials to gain an upper hand, irritate opposing players, or injure them. So is Suh a dirty player? I say no because nothing he does gives him an advantage. Every single illegal or borderline play he is involved in he pays for in multiple ways. He has not been able to get away with anything. I would argue that other teams actually want to play against him because he will make at least a couple of huge errors a game that will help them win. Because of my view, I sincerely do not think Ndamukong Suh is a dirty player but possibly is something worse.

So what is he?

Young : Ndamukong is 24 years old as are a number of impact players in today’s NFL. In a his second season with a full year of NFL tape of his games available, coaches have figured out how to throw him off his game and put him in a position to make mental errors.

Stubborn : I would argue if a highlight reel including all of his penalties was displayed next to a loop of just three plays where Suh jumps off sides, clutchs a facemask, and plants a hit right on the quarterback’s helmet, no one could tell the difference. Week after week he earns the same penalties and most of them on third down.

Emotional : Showcased by the ejection two days ago, Ndamukong has not been able to reign in his emotions. Opposing lineman have found and exploited Suh’s weakness by using liberal amounts of physical and verbal barbs to get under his skin. To date, he has not been able to put mind over matter, get the win, and in turn the last laugh.

While I believe these three words are all more descriptive of Suh’s play and personality than dirty, there is one that is the most fitting and actually encompasses all four. Ndamukong Suh is selfish. Nothing I have seen over the last sixteen months of play can lead me to any other conclusion. He is the equivalent of a head case hoopster that only plays offense one on one, gambles defensively on every possession, and loads up on technical fouls. The timing of his penalties prove that he can be pushed all to easily to put his own agenda and personal vendettas ahead of team goals and fellow players. He refuses to alter his attack of opposing quarterbacks even though his blows to their head routinely keep drives alive. He has never shown the ability to take a deep breath and walk away, bringing the punt team on the field, and giving the Lions offense a chance to impact the game. I really appreciate how hard Jim Schwartz has worked to change the culture of the franchise and build a team based on character and culpability. It is unacceptable for one player to undermine an entire team. I hope he matures and realizes how detrimental he has been to his team but for now, Ndamukong lives in his own little world. Until he hires a real estate agent and buys property on earth, I do not want to watch him on my team.