Do Lions need a vocal leader to be successful?

Were Sanders and Johnson too quiet to be leaders?

The reason that Ndamukong Suh wasn’t as beloved by the fans was because his personality always made them feel as if he was above playing in Detroit.

As many have pointed out, Barry Sanders and Calvin Johnson were alike in more than one way. They were two of the most exciting, physically dominant pro football players ever, yet they were arguably some of the most humble superstars to ever play any sport. Detroit, being a gritty town that truly respects hard work, has always embraced their quiet, lead by example personalities. They were two players that received national acclaim but never seemed too big for the Lions, which was something that made Detroit especially proud to have them as their own.

The reason that Ndamukong Suh wasn’t as beloved by the fans was because his personality always made them feel as if he was above playing in Detroit. Not all fans care about that kind of thing and some just want guys that will win football games, good or bad. Suh was a great player that Detroit couldn’t afford to lose, D-Bag or not. He was the single biggest reason the team missed the playoffs in 2015.  We all know the offense had their share of blame last season, as well as Levy’s absence. However, in 2014, they were good enough to win most games when that Suh-led defense came to play.  That’s what brings me to my point about Sanders and Johnson.

Something more negative the two have in common is a lack of Playoff success as the franchise’s best players during their respective tenures in Detroit. Maybe it is an indictment more on the management of the team than anything else, but unless the team had a true top-flight quarterback, like a Brett Favre or an Aaron Rodgers (something most franchises don’t have) those teams were always going to be led by Sanders in the 1990’s and Johnson from 2007 up until last year. If they were in better situations, like Sanders in Dallas or Johnson in New England, they would have almost certainly won championships. However, as Detroit’s best player, their teams never really amounted to much, nor did the other guys seem to gravitate around that quiet type of leadership. Could there be something to that in a game as violent and dangerous as football?

I would never condemn either player for not being showboats, but I wonder how teammates respond to that type of thing? Does that lead by example concept really work in football? It’s hard to say in a sport where every player has to be so focused on their job and individual assignments that they may not have time to sit and remark on individual greatness. It may be that we simply put too much into the idea of team leaders. After all, this is a business where the average career span is something like three years.  But when I looked at last year’s team without Suh, I saw a team that was devoid of accountability, weren’t nearly as physically imposing, and in general, looked to be softer all around.  And even Suh, with all of his pompous, prima-donna antics, always brought it on Sundays. Teammates got behind his ferocity on the field and it seemed that 2014 group got their identity from Suh’s cold, ruthless demeanor.

Johnson and Sanders each had a quiet type of ferociousness that the other players and fans certainly rallied around, but was it a must-win type of leadership? You never saw either player get in another’s face, or ever act as if they were anything but ordinary players. However, they weren’t ordinary, they were rare, rare talents. It just makes you wonder if Calvin had gotten on Stafford for his bad decisions occasionally, or if Barry would have spoken up for himself, would it have made a difference? The bottom line is that wasn’t who they were. While interesting to speculate what either could have been, to criticize either — when they each gave nine incredible, unforgettable years — is simply being picky.

It does bring up the question going forward with Johnson’s retirement, who will be the leader of this team? Will Stafford step up and become the face of the franchise? Can Golden Tate take on a bigger role, being the likely number-one option? Until the Lions can win consistently, there will be questions about leadership.