DT. Michigan State. Malik McDowell. 21. player. 50. Without retired WR Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions QB Matthew Stafford is playing the best football of his career. He and their solid offense lead the Lions to the playoffs for the second time in three years. They just haven’t gotten too far in the playoffs because they need to improve on defense.
<p>The Lions have a solid secondary but their front-seven isn’t one that controls the line of scrimmage. Last year, they weren’t able to stop the run or get after the opposing team’s QB very well. A big part of the problem getting after the QB was DE Ziggy Ansah playing injured.</p>
<p>He’s back to good health now and a good bet to come back with a strong year in 2017. However, he needs help inside from a penetrating three-technique that can make plays in the backfield. Michigan State’s Malik McDowell is a monster that is absolutely unblockable at times.</p>
<p>The 6’6″, 300 pounder with 4.85 40 speed has the talent to be like that all the time but somehow isn’t. When a player is that talented and shows he can do something, coaches have to make him consistent. If HC Jim Caldwell and his staff could do that with McDowell, the Lions would contend.</p>