Ndamukong Suh: How He's Hurting the Detroit Lions and How to Fix It

Ndamukong Suh's stomp has been discussed ad nauseam, but it's time for him and the Detroit Lions to put this entire mess behind them.

Suh has been a tremendous part of the Lions' recent success but must remedy the problems that he continues to create. 

The NFL will likely intervene and lay a suspension on the star defensive tackle, the merits of which are irrelevant to the future of the team.

The damage to his reputation isn't a consideration here either; the bottom line is, winning cures all.

There are some things Mr. Suh needs to realize, however, and adjust to before the Lions will be able to take the next step. 

Ndamukong Suh's Dumb Penalties Are Costing the Lions

Ndamukong Suh has an impact for the Detroit Lions defense that goes much deeper than his stats–the attention opposing lines must pay him undoubtedly aids the entire Lions defense.

However, there is another number which also measures his impact: the number of penalties he commits. Most of these penalties are not of the five-yard variety but rather have a nasty habit of extending opposing drives.

The stomp against the Green Bay Packers on Thanksgiving was extremely detrimental. Not only did it allow the Packers to add four more points, but it forced the Lions to play the rest of the game without their defensive centerpiece.

The biggest issue is that this is not the first time it has directly impacted the result of the game. 

Ndamukong Suh Is Setting a Bad Example for the Rest of the Team

The Detroit Lions love the talent of their stud defensive tackle. In addition, there has been little to infer that Ndamukong Suh isn't one of the hardest working players on the team.

However, besides the consequences on the field of Suh's unnecessary penalties, there is the impact he is on having on his teammates.

The nasty edge that Suh has helped instill in the defense has been helpful, but has also rubbed off on his teammates as well, leading to similar harsh penalties by Lion defenders.

Suh must take care to ensure that players like Nick Fairley do not pick up his habit of giving teams extra chances.

One player can create enough problems, but an entire team committing late quarterback-hits will result in missing the playoffs.

Ndamukong Suh Needs to Take Whatever Punishment Is Doled out

Roger Goodell is sure to hand out a serious fine and possibly a suspension to Ndamukong Suh soon. Considering Suh's past transgressions, Goodell may force him to sit out multiple games.

NFL players are allowed to appeal any sanction given to them by the league. However, short of being banished from the league, Suh needs to accept whatever punishment is determined by the NFL's head honcho.

This will show that he truly understands the seriousness of the act he committed.

Additionally, it will put an end to the saga and allow the Detroit Lions to finally focus solely on football.

Ndamukong Suh Must Adjust His Play to the NFL's Accepted Standards

During the Detroit Lions' bye week, Ndamukong Suh traveled to New York to meet with commissioner Roger Goodell.

Everything seemed rosy after the meeting, but Suh never stated he would not be altering his play due to anything Goodell pointed out.

Obviously, this was not the right approach; Suh has continued to rack up penalties to hurt the Lions at inopportune times.

Suh needs to stop believing that the referees are misguiding his strength and conform his play to the rules as promulgated.

If he continues to play in the same style, Suh will repeatedly hurt the team, despite his stellar play.