Honestly, I agree with you. It's entirely possible Suh is so physically gifted he still dominates even while taking plays off, or that the Rams line is so stacked he can coast and still put up numbers. I'm not a scout. I didn't watch every Suh snap. I just dug into his numbers and read a few Rams articles that ran counter to the narrative I've heard in the media.nanomoz":e2xhu9od said:Fair points, knownone. I respect your opinion on this, given those numbers. Crazy Jarran Reed had 24 QB hits.
I don't think those stats preclude taking a fair number of plays off, but I respect that you do. For sure. I think they do indicate he doesn't deserve nearly as bad of a rap as he's gotten as to being lazy. But I've heard a couple of people I respect claim that Suh admitted to mailing it in some last year. Though, I can't find evidence of this anywhere. I think the first place I heard it was from Rob Staton at Seahawks Draft Blog. If I think of it, I'll ask him where he heard it.
For what it's worth, Suh is regarded as one of the most physically gifted interior lineman in this generation. That, combined with how many opportunities there were to rush the passer without worrying about the running game, and playing with Donald and Brockers, could afford production that looks more impressive than it is.
But, conversely, as you point out, it could go the other way as well--Donald did have quite a season last year.
That was verbose. Apologies.
No worries! I enjoy doing research and having my opinions challenged.