Getty ImagesNFL Network analyst (not reporter) Warren Sapp criticized the Lions after the season for getting too predictable in the way they used defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh. The Lions’ coaching staff thought those criticisms were valid.
Detroit defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham says he has decided to move Suh around rather than just planting him at left defensive tackle and keeping him there, and Cunningham is even telling Suh to play the defensive tackle position the way Sapp played it.
“Warren will be happy; I’m going to move him all over the place now,” Cunningham said, via the Detroit Free Press. “As a matter of fact, I showed him some of Warren’s tape. Warren should be really happy.”
Sapp said he texted Lions G.M. Martin Mayhew last season and told him the Lions have to start getting more creative in the way they use Suh. Cunningham says he liked that idea.
“Warren played both sides,” Cunningham said. “I told Martin to call Warren and tell him I still love him.”
And Cunningham would love to see Suh play like Sapp.
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So far, he’s been not too far off of Warren. Pressures the QB as well as any dt to play it.
Just as long as you don’t take his advice on money.
“Lions take Sapp’s advice ” … Oh man here we go!
Epic fool giving advice about epic tool…..classic….
Sign of the apocalypse. Someone listening to Warren Sapp!
LOL…..that’s Gunther messin’ with Sapp. Funny stuff there by a crazed old timer, but one hell of a coach!
All Gunther has to do is use Suh they way he did during his rookie season and the numbers will return. And in essense that is what Sapp was saying.
I think every elite player needs to not be stuck into a predictable position or teams can “figure” them out.
funktron2x says: Jun 5, 2012 4:58 PM
So far, he’s been not too far off of Warren. Pressures the QB as well as any dt to play it.
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Yeah not so much. I haven’t seen him do crap in the games I’ve seen other than that thanksgiving classic where he got ejected.
Other offensive linemen now have equal opportunity to be head stomped now.
This means every player on the Packers O-line is going to be trying to untie his shoes, not the just the guards.
They always do cross-training in camp. We might see Suh practicing at DE next week, or he might stand up and roam the line……. its practice. The coaches are evaluating. Everything.
Lions need to focus on Packers, Packers will focus on Lions, Vikings will focus on Charlotte Bobcats, and Da Bears will come in as Underdog. I like this role.
People talking negative about Sapps play don’t have a clue. He was one of the top DT’s EVER in his prime and a real pleasure to watch. Thank you Warren for all the effort and entertainment you gave us Bucs fans. Too bad you were such a jerk.
“And Cunningham would love to see Suh play like Sapp.”
So…he wants Suh to have 3 great seasons and then talk his way into being a first ballot lock?
Wonder if Sapp is call Gerald McCoy will the same advice?
meh, Sapp was a great DT and a smart Defensive player…no harm taking his advice there…He just happens to be a bit of a doofus
This isn’t a Warren Sapp thing. Gun may have referred to him when asked, but he started moving Suh around last year, putting him behind the DEs in some formations, and backing him off the line in others, similar to the old Dallas ‘Flex’ formation.
The Flex required big, tall DEs (see Ed Jones and Harvey Martin) and Detroit doesn’t quite have the right mix of talent, yet, but we shall see.
granadafan says:Jun 5, 2012 5:37 PM
Other offensive linemen now have equal opportunity to be head stomped now.
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Suh never head stomped anyone. However, judging by your comment, I believe you’ve had your head stomped a few times.
Cunningham is a great D coach look at his time KC blah
patsaintsbroncoscheat says: Jun 5, 2012 5:37 PM
funktron2x says: Jun 5, 2012 4:58 PM
So far, he’s been not too far off of Warren. Pressures the QB as well as any dt to play it.
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Yeah not so much. I haven’t seen him do crap in the games I’ve seen other than that thanksgiving classic where he got ejected.
FYI,
Indeed, Pro Football Focus credited Suh with more quarterback pressures — 27 — than any NFL defensive tackle last season. – Kevin Seifert, ESPN
I’d say that’s pretty effective considering the double/triple teams he faces….