Detroit Lions: What is the best fit for Ziggy Ansah in a 3-4?
The Detroit Lions are implementing a hybrid defense with multiple fronts. How will they get the most out of their star pass rusher?
Bringing back defensive end Ziggy Ansah was a solid but shaky decision by the Detroit Lions. Now with a new defense coming to Motown, it makes you wonder where Ansah truly belongs.
Figuring out his skill sets first and foremost is the best way to know where the sixth year sack artist will line up in 3-4 alignments. Obvious trial and error.
Besides the skills evaluation, look at Ansah physically. He stands at 6-5 and weighs 275 pounds. Incredible.
Prototypical size for 3-4 outside linebackers ranges from 240-260 pounds give or take. As for 3-4 defensive end, 280-310 is the standard.
Ansah is known as a tweener, or someone who’s caught between two positions. He’s right at home as a 4-3 defensive end but which spot suits him best when lined up in a 3-4?
If I had to choose, defensive end makes the most sense. Luckily, Ansah isn’t limited to one position and most certainly expects to get looks at outside linebacker.
It’s common for players of Ansah’s size to play defensive end in a 3-4. Joey Bosa (6-5, 280) and Jadeveon Clowney (6-5, 270) both play those spots and kick out wide often.
Players of that caliber are freakishly athletic and versatile. Guards get overwhelmed by their quickness and length and tackles are taken back by their speed and strength.
Saying Ansah plays just one position for the Lions is unrealistic. What’s easy to realize is the headaches he’ll cause if he’s on the field 100 percent healthy.
No doubt he does his best work with a hand in the dirt. I’m not ready to rule out his ability to cover in space and rush effectively and consistently from a two point stance.
Over time, Detroit will get him involved multiple ways. As a hybrid defender, it’s hard to imagine him not succeeding wherever he lines up on any given play.
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5-tech, the gap between the guard and tackle, is prime real estate for Ansah to feast on quarterbacks. Whether it’s attacking downhill and penetrating upfield or it’s holding firm and controlling the gap, the Lions have a stud who does it all at a high level when available.