NFL Rankings: Top 5 'Big 3's'

NFL Rankings: Top 5 ‘Big 3’s’

Jan 19, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman (left) and free safety Earl Thomas (center) and strong safety Kam Chancellor (right) during player introductions prior to the 2013 NFC Championship football game against the San Francisco 49ers at CenturyLink Field. Seattle defeated San Francisco 23-17. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports /

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Dec. 2, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) scrambles out of the pocket while being pressured by Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh (90) and defensive tackle Nick Fairley (98) in the second quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports /

Detroit Lions’ Ndamukong Suh, Nick Fairley & Stephen Tulloch

While this group could just as well be centered around the guy in the foreground (Andrew Luck), it’s about the guys in the background in Suh and Fairley. The missing member of the trio is linebacker Tulloch. The Lions have allowed a sixth best 80.8 rushing yards per game. It starts with their front eight — but mostly, it starts with Suh, Fairley and Tulloch. Suh is still one of the best defensive tackles in the NFL — if not the best. Fairley was thought to be a disappointment, but he got in shape this offseason and demonstrated work ethic that seemed to be lacking earlier in his career. He and the Lions are reaping the benefits of that hard work.

The Lions are have an elite pass defense. They have allowed the second best yardage average in the league with 186.5 yards per game. At the beginning of the season, there was great concern about the Lions’ secondary. Frankly, there should still be some concern. But these three defenders in Suh, Fairley and Tulloch make the secondary look elite. They have combined for four sacks, 38 tackles and six quarterback hurries. These three players give the Lions a defensive identity. The game plan revolves around them.

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