As one of the best defensive tackle prospect in years, it was no surprise Ndamukong Suh was taken with the second overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft. The Lions scooped him up and he’s done nothing to disappoint anyone, leading the team (and all rookies) with three sacks.
Mainly, the job of dealing with Suh will fall to right guard Chris Snee, a Pro Bowler who isn’t awed by much, or anything.
“What’s there to know?’’ Snee said when asked about Suh. “He’s the No. 2 overall pick, he looks strong, he’s fast, he doesn’t play like most rookies do. Looks like another challenge. He’s going every play. Pursuit and never takes a play off.’’
Asked if he gets any extra motivation from going against such a high draft pick, Snee didn’t exactly light up with excitement.
“No, I’m not ‘inspired’ by the privilege to play against the No. 2 overall pick,’’ Snee said. “I’m a competitor and I want to go against the best guys every week. I have to go against Suh so I’m excited for the opportunity.’’
Snee certainly has experience on his side. Asked how that experience can help him, Snee was eager to respond.
“I’ll put more preparation probably than any opponent he’s ever faced into his individual technique and pass-rush moves,’’ Snee said. “I’ll know every snap that he’s taken.’’
Center Shaun O’Hara, who looks as if he’ll return to the starting lineup after missing three games with bursitis in his left ankle and Achilles, said going up against heralded defensive linemen is all in a day’s work.
“I’m not even going to try to pronounce his first name,’’ O’Hara said. “Suh is definitely a good player, when you watch him on film you see he has some power, he has some quickness for a defensive tackle that’s a pretty good combination. One of the things you can see is he’s picking things up pretty quickly. We’re still athletes ourselves, we’re not schleps by any means.’’
O’Hara predicts left guard Rich Seubert will have something ready for Suh.
“I’m sure Richie will find something to say to him to get him out of his frame of mind,’’ O’Hara said. “Richie has a way about him.’’
