Dallas Cowboys vs. Detroit Lions Ten In-Depth Observations

Jan 4, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Detroit Lions defensive end Ezekiel Ansah (94) sacks Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) during the third quarter in the NFC Wild Card Playoff Game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

9. If you don’t recognize Ziggy Ansah as one of the best defensive ends in the NFL, then it’s time to hop on the bandwagon while there’s still room. The BYU product has completely shattered my expectations after two seasons in the league, as I didn’t think he would be this good this quickly. Heck, I didn’t even think he would ever become this good, but the ridiculously athletic and explosive physical specimen has become an all-around beast for the Lions. Suh unsurprisingly overshadows him and had two sacks, but Ansah took full advantage of a favorable matchup against Jermey Parnell with Free injured.

Ansah also took advantage of the Lions aggressive, early-game blitzes to roam free and roast the opposition with four QB hits in the contest. He also had a sack, but it was the consistency of his pressure that impressed me the most. Ansah “only” had 7.5 sacks in the regular season, which is partially why people don’t give him his due, but he is a speed demon who pops up in the backfield with regularity. He doesn’t just dominate in the passing game either, as Ansah is a quiet- but big- reason for the Lions huge success against opposing rushing attacks.

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