Pete Prisco, a national NFL writer for CBSsports.com, recently ranked Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh as the most overrated player in the NFL, stating that he merely just "got blocked" last season. http://bit.ly/LBRL3Q
I understand his point statistically. Considering the impact he displayed as a rookie in 2010, Suh made shockingly few plays in 2011. Not only were his sacks down from 10 to four, his other numbers dropped precipitously. He went from 66 tackles to 36. Suh had a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, an interception and a touchdown as a rookie. He did none of those things his second year. He also missed two games because of an avoidable NFL suspension (and the second half of a close game against Green Bay after he was ejected for his infamous stomping incident). Suh tied for 333rd in tackles and 90th in sacks in the NFL last season - hardly the numbers of the Top 100 player he is reputed to be, even for a defensive tackle, a position where it not easy to rack up impressive stats.
While it was a disappointing season, I don't think it would exactly stun anyone if Suh were to adjust to the mistakes he made his second season, and the way he was schemed against by opposing offenses, and had a big year in 2012
He is incredibly strong, and extremely athletic for his size. I see last season as the growing pains of a player who will likely mature into a truly great NFL player for years to come. I don't think that makes him overrated, just a bit off track and about to get back on.