The matchup between veteran defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh and rookie guard Kyle Long has gotten most of the attention as the Lions prepare to host the Bears.
But let’s not forget the other rookie who is having a major impact through three NFL games.
Defensive end Ziggy Ansah, the fifth overall pick in the draft, was regarded as a JPP-style project. The Giants defensive end, however, didn’t have a sack until Week 12 of his rookie year. Ansah has made an impact right away.
He’s had 2.5 sacks in three games. Another was nullified by a penalty committed by a teammate.
Ansah has shown an amazing closing burst, using his long frame to dive at the right moment and finish plays. He’ll be a handful for Bears left tackle Jermon Bushrod, as much or more of a handful than Suh will be for Long.
By the end of the day, Bears quarterback Jay Cutler could be banged around enough by Ansah, who is active despite an abdominal injury, that Cutler is bumping Bushrod at some point on Sunday.