Suh Says Stopping Carolina's Run Game Will Be Detroit's First Priority
By Ashley Dunkak
@AshleyDunkak
ALLEN PARK (CBS DETROIT) - When it comes to slowing down the Carolina Panthers, Ndamukong Suh said the Detroit Lions will need to focus primarily on the team's overall run game more so than prolific dual-threat quarterback Cam Newton, who missed Carolina's first game with fractured ribs.
"I think at the end of the day, first and foremost they're a team that wants to run the ball, so we've got to stop the run no matter what, and at the end of the day, whoever the quarterback is, we'll be ready for him," Suh said Wednesday. "We got a good taste of seeing their backup. Obviously if Cam comes back up, I've played against him before, seen some good things that he likes to do, but like I said, first and foremost we've got to stop that run."
Carolina head coach announced earlier this week that Newton will start, and while Newton amasses quite a bit of yardage with his feet, he gets plenty of help. The Panthers use a combination of three running backs - DeAngelo Williams, Jonathan Stewart and Mike Tolbert.
Williams, a nine-year veteran, had 72 yards on 14 carries in Carolina's first game Sunday. Stewart and Tolbert, both entering their seventh seasons, combined to add another 31 yards on 16 carries.
Stewart and Williams are both former 1,000-yard rushers, and between them and Tolbert, the Panthers have committed 12 percent of their salary cap to the backfield, as the Charlotte Observer noted this week.
"They've got a trio back there that can definitely get after it, and no matter what, I would imagine any team that focuses on having that many top guys at the running back position, that's going to be one of their main focuses, to get that going, because obviously it makes it a lot easier for the quarterback no matter who the quarterback is," Suh said.
The Lions defended the run game well Monday night against the New York Giants, allowing just 53 yards on 22 attempts. Carolina's rushing attack should present a tougher test - particularly if Newton, who has rushed for more than 2,000 yards in three seasons, can suit up for the Panthers.
"They can run the ball," Lions head coach Jim Caldwell said. "They are physical up front, they can run it at you a variety of different ways. Whether Cam is in there or not, they can do a great job, I think, of running downhill. They have enough different, sort of a scheme variety, to attack any defensive look that you give them, and they know exactly what they're doing.
"And then you add Cam to the mix, where he also is a threat, where every single time that he fakes a handoff or gives it and starts to stretch on the perimeter, you have to pay attention to him because he can certainly do some damage as well," Caldwell added. "So yeah, their running game is tough, and it's a hard-nosed running game, they do a great job, but I also think that the run sets up the pass for them, and they can hurt you with play action as well."
Caldwell said the Lions expect Newton to play but that the team will be ready either way.
