:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/28036997/452384913.0.jpg)
As part of our season wrap-up series, we are going to examine how each player on the roster performed in 2013. Next, let's take a look at the Detroit Lions' defensive tackles.
Ndamukong Suh - 16 games (16 starts) | 49 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 1 safety, 6 TFL, 6 PD, 1 FF, 0 FR
Suh was absolutely dominant in 2013. His numbers may not completely reflect that, but he consistently created pressure and disrupted opposing quarterbacks. He was rewarded with another Pro Bowl appearance for his play, and he was also once again named to the All-Pro first team. Early in the season there was more controversy about his style of play, but by the end of the season the focus was mainly on his general dominance.
Nick Fairley - 15 games (15 starts) | 35 tackles, 6.0 sacks, 1 safety, 3 TFL, 1 PD, 2 FF, 2 FR, 1 TD
Fairley had a pretty solid season. He actually had half a sack more than Suh, and he actually scored a touchdown (on a fumble that was forced by Suh). There's definitely a need for more consistency going forward from Fairley, but when he played up to his potential in 2013, he helped form one of the top defensive tackle tandems in all of the NFL with Suh.
C.J. Mosley - 16 games (1 start) | 15 tackles, 0.0 sacks, 0 TFL, 0 PD, 0 FF, 1 FR
Mosley didn't exactly light up the stat sheet, but he drew one of the top defensive grades on Pro Football Focus (+8.8) for the Lions in 2013. He was quite good in his backup role, and although he sometimes saw a pretty limited amount of snaps, he still found ways to make an impact (mainly with his stout run defense).
Andre Fluellen - 13 games (0 starts) | 3 tackles, 0.0 sacks, 1 TFL, 0 PD, 0 FF, 0 FR
Fluellen rejoined the Lions early in the season for his fourth (!) stint with the team. He provided extra depth at defensive tackle after the Lions cut Justin Bannan, but his playing time was pretty sporadic. There were a couple games where he saw 20+ snaps on defense, but mostly he was limited to 15 or fewer snaps in each game. I suppose that's a good thing; aside from the one game Fairley missed, the Lions had pretty good health at defensive tackle in 2013.
Previously: Quarterback, running back, wide receiver, tight end, offensive tackle, offensive guard, center, defensive end
