Lions teammates name Ziggy Ansah defensive MVP
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}DETROIT MI - NOVEMBER 26: Ezekiel Ansah #94 of the Detroit Lions leaves the game during the first quarter of the game against the Philadelphia Eagles on November 26, 2015 at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. The Lions defeated the Eagles 45-14. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
The Detroit Lions fielded one of the NFL's most disruptive defensive linemen in Ezekiel Ansah this season. Now his teammates have shown their appreciation for his efforts.
They selected him for Detroit's defensive MVP award, named after Hall of Fame defensive back Lem Barney.
Via the Lions' official Twitter account:
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Ansah recorded a career-high 14.5 sacks in 2015; only Houston's J.J. Watt (17.5) and Oakland's Khalil Mack (15.0) had more. The former fifth-overall selection has become a legitimate pass-rushing force for the Lions, after falling short of a double-digit sack total in each of his first two seasons.
New Lions general manager Bob Quinn should easily recognize Ansah as the team's most talented player under the age of 27 and continue to build the defense around him.
Enjoy some of Ansah's highlights from the 2015 season in the video below, courtesy of the Lions' official Twitter account.