After an impressive rookie campaign, Defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh has struggled to make as noticeable an impact this season. What many fail to realize is that the interior of the defensive line is the second most unheralded position on the field, next to the offensive line. Players aren’t supposed to make tackles, or accumulate inordinate amounts of sacks, but rather take up blocks, clog running lanes, and free up other players to make these plays. Anything else is a bonus. This has to be difficult for someone who is used to being the star, the playmaker, and the most feared player on the field. These frustrations came to a boiling point on Thanksgiving Day with the infamous “stomp” of Packer guard Evan Dietrich-Smith by Suh, costing him a two game suspension, a lot of money, and a trip to the Pro Bowl.

This matchup in Green Bay will be one to watch, especially if the Packers rest some of their starters. Regardless of whether Rodgers or Flynn are taking snaps, Green Bay features a passing attack, and pressure is the best way to stop it. It will be interesting to see if Suh can remain satisfied as a role player, allowing his teammates to make plays, or if his frustrations will come to a head again against the Pack. Somehow Dietrich-Smith was able to irritate, agitate, and provoke Suh more than any other player in his career which makes this matchup so intriguing, and so integral to each team’s success.

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