- The Lions defensive success in 2017 could hinge on getting the 2014-2015 version of Ezekiel Ansah. In 2016 the Lions defense ranked just 29th in pressure rate and 27th in sack rate.
- Through an injury-riddled season in 2016, Ansah earned his worst PFF grade since his rookie year at 75.5. His pass-rush-productivity also fell sharply to 8.8, ranking outside of the top 20 for the first time since his rookie season.
- From a grading standpoint, Ansah had back-to-back strong performances in 2014 and 2015, with grades of 83.8 in 2014 and 81.3 in 2015.
- Ansah also ranked third in PRP among 4-3 defensive ends in 2014 at 12.1 and second in 2015 at 13.6. His 129 total pressures over that stretch were the fifth-most.
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