Ziggy Ansah made the Pro Bowl last season, emerging as a defensive force by recording 14.5 sacks for the Lions.
In order to become a household name in the NFL, consistency matters. In Ansah's case, his coaches believe he has other plans.
They believe he'll get better.
"He was a Pro Bowler last year. That's quite an honor, and it tells you right there that he's one of the best in the league," Jim Caldwell said. "If you're asking me the question, 'Do I think he can get better?' I certainly do."
The praise came from Ansah's defensive coordinator, too. When I asked Teryl Austin how he thinks Ansah can take the step into the league's best, there was a swift answer back.
"I like to think he's already there. I just think he has to keep improving. I'm not looking for any numbers or anything like that," Austin said.
The fourth-year pro has played in 16 games each of the last two seasons. He recorded eight sacks his rookie year, then seven-and-a-half in his second year.
Ansah told reporters over the summer his dad called him to say his 14.5 sacks in his third year were good, but 15 would be better.
His family has been quiet since that call.
"Nobody ever puts numbers to what I do. I just try to improve on the previous year," he laughed.
So when someone asked if that meant 15 sacks, noting that would be an improvement, Ansah stared with a humored look.
"Thank you," he said.
Caldwell smiled talking about the defensive end.
"He has a real nasty streak in him, which I think is something that makes a tremendous difference," Caldwell explained.
Brad Galli is a sports anchor and reporter for WXYZ Detroit. Follow Brad on Twitter @BradGalli
