Miami Dolphins Preview: Ndamukong Suh

Ndamukong Suh, recently named as the 22nd highest jersey sale in the NFL, and not-so-recently named the NFL’s dirtiest player, is the Miami Dolphin’s biggest acquisition in the 2015 offseason. Departing from the Detroit Lions, where he was the anchor to the Lions defense, the Dolphins are looking for more defensive stability in 2015, stability they see in Suh.

Suh is notoriously known for his gritty gameplay and unnecessary penalties, but he is also known for his superior run-stuffing abilities. Last season with the Lions, Suh started all 16 games, accumulating 53 totals tackles and 8.5 sacks, but most notably was an anchor for the Lion’s defense. In his five years with the Lions, Suh has totaled 36 sacks, and provides a valuable presence that offense’s must account for, in both the passing and rushing game.

After the Lion’s failed to extend Suh prior to free agency, the Dolphins emerged as an early favorite for the Pro-Bowl defensive tackle. Upon the start of free agency, the Dolphins reached a six-year $114 million contract, the only player to reach a $100+ contract on the team.

Typically lining up at the left defensive tackle, the Dolphins defensive line is being regarded as one of the most unnerving in the NFL.

"“Playing alongside a guy like Cameron Wake, between the two of them I already see a chemistry developing that I think is going to be real exciting to watch as the season unfolds next year because they’re going to help each other in a lot of ways. Ndamukong is one piece of the puzzle, a big piece literally, figuratively, and every other way. He’s team guy, and I think he’s going to help of defense become better, but everyone around him has to continue to improve as well.”– Defensive Coordinator Kevin Coyle on the Finsiders"

Alongside Pro-Bowl defensive end Cameron Wake, offenses will have a hard time containing this duo in 2015. With the revamped Dolphins defensive line, this addition potentially creates fewer holes for running backs, and less time for receiver’s routes to develop. Expect Suh to create penetration for other Dolphins on and off of the line.

Despite Suh’s huge impact on the field, he isn’t necessarily regarded as a team leader, a position the Dolphins needed desperately last season. One aspect of fans shouldn’t expect of Suh is his leadership, but one expectation they should have is his ability to get to the quarterback.

Lastly, the biggest challenge for Suh remains the expectation that the Dolphin’s defense will have the capability to close out games. Last season, the Dolphins defense had several meltdowns late in the game that potentially could have been avoided with a few big plays. With the acquisition of Suh, and several other players, there is seemingly an expectation that the Dolphins won’t let games slip away. Will Suh’s signing make that big of an impact late in the game?