Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
The largest free agent signing of this offseason, both literally and figuratively, was the Miami Dolphins’ inking of former Detroit Lions’ defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh. How big of an impact Suh makes on Miami’s front line is yet to be seen, but if his play this season is anywhere near his level of production in Motown, then the Dolphins’ defense will be near the top of the NFL.
Suh was brought to South Beach to sure up a defense that was formerly formidable against the run, but dipped in 2014. There is little competition for Suh as far as a starting nod goes because he will anchor the defensive ship. The fight for starter next to Suh will be between incumbent Earl Mitchell, rookie Jordan Phillips and Suh’s former Lions’ teammate C.J. Mosley. That will be an interesting battle this summer.
Whoever stands on the opposite side of Suh should have free reign to stop all ball carriers because the former Nebraska Cornhusker star should demand a double-team every snap. When the opposition decides to throw the ball it will be fun to see Suh shoot up the middle and rush the quarterback. Blocking this behemoth has been nearly impossible for offensive linemen in the past. Suh brings a pass chasing force from the tackle position that the Dolphins have not had in years.
There are other ways Suh can impact a defense besides doing it on his own. While two blockers are teaming up to keep the superstar at bay, speed rushing defensive ends Cameron Wake and Olivier Vernon will only have one tackle to tie them up. Sack totals have been bountiful for both ends without Suh, so think how astronomical those numbers can potentially be with the extra large former Lion aiding the cause.
Miami’s linebackers were suspect last season, but with Suh on board, the ‘backers will be in a better position to make plays. Suh should eat up enough of the middle of the field to let the middle linebacker roam free. Koa Misi was in the middle a year ago and is expected to start there again this fall. He was better than average last year, but can be Pro Bowl caliber with Suh’s help.
If Suh is able to get to the quarterback as much as everyone hopes he will, then pressure should be removed from the Dolphins’ defensive backs. Stopping the pass was almost as appalling as Miami’s rush defense at the end of last season and a lot of that was because the front seven could not get into their rivals’ backfields. If Suh can make the quarterback feel challenged then it will take time away from that signal caller and his receivers. That will allow the Dolphins’ DBs to not have to cover the pass catchers for too long. It seems like it has been forever since a force as dominant as Suh has started on Miami’s defense.
