Ndamukong Suh is once again facing backlash for his overly aggressive style of play. The Detroit Lions defensive end has been the constant topic of discussion when it comes to illegal hits and discipline on the field. Sunday was no different after Suh made a low block hit on Minnesota Vikings center John Sullivan. Now the defensive end is receiving backlash from the league and other players.
The hit in question cam occurred during an interception return by linebacker DeAndre Levy who was in the process of returning the turnover for a touchdown. Suh was whistled for an illegal hit after he placed a low block on Sullivan behind the play. Suh insists that he was not trying to injure Sullivan, but merely trying to cut him off.
"I wasn't by any means going for his knees," Suh said, via ESPN.com. "He knows that. We had a great conversation running out at halftime, and he understood. My aim was his waist to cut him off."
Sullivan was not as welcoming to that response from Suh. The center was simply shocked he made it out from the play without suffering any sort of serious injury. Defensive end Jared Allen was also shocked by the hit Suh placed on his teammate. He slammed Suh for hurting the overall position.
"[Suh] is a good dude, but that's uncalled for," Allen said. "This is a fraternity. In the NFL, you try to take care of guys. Things happen, and guys are going to make hits. But you can't take a dude's legs out from behind on an interception return down the field. He plays hard. I like his style of play. But if you end a guy's career like that, it's just uncalled for."
While Sullivan says he does not believe Suh was intentionally trying to hurt him, illegal hits like that need to have consequences. He hopes the league brings down some sort of discipline on the defensive end. ESPN's Adam Schefter reports the league is looking into the hit and possible discipline like a fine or suspension could be the result.
This is not the first time Suh has come under the microscope of league officials. Back in 2011, he was suspended for two games after stomping on the arm of a Green Bay Packers offensive lineman. The following Thanksgiving he kicked Houston Texans quarterback Matt Schaub in the groin resulting in a fine.
Suh insists all is fine between he and Sullivan. NFL officials might not see it that way and the defensive end can expect something to come from the hit.
