Why Lions Need Ndamukong Suh to Win Appeal to Even Have a Prayer vs Saints

Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh was suspended for two games by the NFL for stomping on an offensive lineman during the team's Thanksgiving Day game against the Green Bay Packers. ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that Suh knows he made a mistake and has been encouraged by the NFLPA and commissioner Roger Goodell to appeal the suspension, and apparently, he will do just that.

Now the Lions have to pray he wins that appeal, because if he doesn't, they may not have a chance against the Saints in Week 13.

Detroit boasts the NFL's sixth-best pass defense, allowing just 202.2 yards per game. Much of the credit for those impressive numbers belong's to the team's incredibly stout defensive front. Defensive ends Cliff Avril (7.0 sacks), Kyle Vanden Bosch (6.0 sacks) and Lawrence Jackson (4.5 sacks) have been terrorizing quarterbacks all season. But those outside rushers are able to get their push upfield and into the pocket because Suh has been a beast in the middle of the line.

Suh has three sacks this season to go along with three tackles for loss, but he has faced near-constant double teams, and opposing offenses are keenly aware of where he is on the field at all times. If he is out on Sunday, a combination of Sammie Lee Hill, Corey Williams and rookie Nick Fairley will have to get the job done in place of the second-year stud. 

The Saints own the NFL's most prolific offense, averaging 449.6 yards per game. New Orleans is also second in points per game (32.9), and most of those points have come via their top-ranked passing attack (324.2 yards per game).

New Orleans has allowed just 19 sacks this season (only four behind Buffalo for the fewest in the NFL), and the team's offensive line has done a fantastic job keeping pressure off of quarterback Drew Brees. If Brees has time in the pocket, he can pick apart any defense in the NFL. 

If Suh misses Sunday's game, Detroit's pass rush will suffer big time, and you can expect Brees to throw the ball all over the field on the Lions.