NFL Detroit Lions

Ezekiel Ansah Will Be X-Factor For Detroit Lions In Week 11

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By @DaveCuff

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The 7-2 Detroit Lions are off to their best start since 1993 and will look to continue their recent success on Sunday. It won’t be easy, however, as they are going up against the 8-1 Arizona Cardinals. The game is also being played in Arizona where the Cardinals are a perfect 5-0 season. Even with that going against them, the Lions are more than capable of coming away with a victory. Their X-factor this week will no doubt be Ezekiel Ansah.

Ansah got off to somewhat of a slow start this season, but he has really played well during the Lions’ four-game winning streak. He has five and a half sacks and three forced fumbles this season. Four and half of those sacks and all three forced fumbles have come during the Lions’ last four games. The defensive line has been one of Detroit’s biggest strengths this season, and Ansah is a big part of that.

Against Arizona it will be key for Detroit to get pressure on backup quarterback Drew Stanton. With Carson Palmer out for the season, Stanton is stepping in to start against his former team. Stanton is 2-1 this season as a starter and has done a solid job. He hasn’t been spectacular, completing under 50 percent of his passes and having only three total touchdowns, but he has done a great job of leaving Arizona in a position to win. One reason for that is the fact he has yet to turn the ball over this season. For Detroit to win Sunday, that will need to change. Ansah can lead the charge by putting pressure on Stanton. If Ndamukong Suh continues to draw double teams, Ansah is the guy who needs to beat the one-on-one blocking he will get as a result.

Things won’t be easy on Sunday for Detroit, and they wouldn’t have it any other way. They have been tough to keep down all season, and it all starts with the play of their defense. The Cardinals are not at full strength, but they still have a dangerous offense with a lot of weapons. Ansah will be key in Detroit’s effort to pressure Stanton into mistakes. The more pressure the Lions can get on Stanton, the better the chance they will have of coming away victorious on Sunday.

David Cuff is a University of Michigan Football writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @DaveCuff, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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