:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/14936863/20121226_kkt_bc2_265.0.jpg)
Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh took the NFL by storm during his rookie season in 2010. He had 66 tackles, 10.0 sacks and even an interception en route to being named the Defensive Rookie of the Year. He was also voted to the Pro Bowl and named to the NFL All-Pro first team.
Things didn't go nearly as well for Suh in 2011. He was suspended for two games for a stomping incident on Thanksgiving, and Suh's numbers and overall play took a step back. He only had 36 tackles and 4.0 sacks, and he wasn't nearly as dominant as he was in his rookie season.
Last year, Suh seemed to be on his way to another disappointing year before he took his play to another level as the 2012 season came to a close. He only ended up finishing with 8.0 sacks, but he was absolutely dominant in the final weeks of the season. He was more like the player we saw in his rookie season, and he was really able to just control opposing offensive lines at times.
Although his numbers didn't necessarily reflect it, Suh took a major step forward in 2012. NFL.com's Daniel Jeremiah is expecting Suh to be even better in 2013, and he thinks Suh's numbers will actually reflect his play thanks to the defensive ends the Lions added this offseason.
I'm expecting a huge year from Ndamukong Suh. DET's new DE's will be able to squeeze the pocket (power rushers) and Suh will post big #'s.
— Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) June 17, 2013
In a separate tweet, Jeremiah said that he expects 2013 to be Suh's biggest season yet in the NFL. If that ends up being the case, the Lions could have a really solid defense in 2013. Not only is Nick Fairley expected to take a step forward as well, but the Lions' secondary should be much better with the addition of Glover Quin and Darius Slay. Obviously we don't want to get too far ahead of ourselves, but the defense, like Suh, has a lot of potential.