One of Sunday’s best individual matchups will happen in Detroit, where Dolphins guard Mike Pouncey and Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh will square off.
Dolphins coach Joe Philbin said the Dolphins’ entire offensive line will have its hands full against a Detroit defensive front that’s strong across the board, but he specifically mentioned Suh as the defensive lineman who makes the difference for the Lions, and Pouncey as the offensive lineman who needs to lead the way for the Dolphins.
“[Suh] is an excellent football player. He’s strong, he’s quick, he’s athletic, he moves well, he gets off blocks. We’re going to have to play, Mike Pouncey, our whole offensive line’s going to have to play well,” Philbin said, via the Miami Herald.
The Dolphins’ running game has been strong this season, ranking third in the NFL at 4.79 yards a carry. The Lions’ run defense is equally strong, ranking second in the NFL at just 3.25 yards a carry allowed. Philbin identified that run defense as a key to the Lions’ success.
“Well, number one, they are very stout upfront,” Phillbin said. “They are a physical football team. They are active on the second level as well. Not only are they strong, but they can move and they are athletic. I think their pursuit is very, very good, and they tackle well. When you have those components, it makes it tough. What are they averaging, 3.2 or three yards they are giving up per rushing play? That’s way up there in the National Football League. They are playing good run defense.
Pouncey called Suh “a great football player” this week and called himself “a big fan of his.” Whether Pouncey can look like a great player himself while blocking Suh may determine who wins on Sunday.