Detroit Lions' Teryl Austin: 'We defied our doubters'

Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Teryl Austin has expressed his belief that his side defied their doubters by having an excellent year on defense.

The Lions were ranked second in fewest yards allowed, while they also ranked third in fewest points allowed as the club managed to reach the post-season with an 11-5 record.

"That expectation was there from us," Austin told the club's official website. "Nobody else had that expectation, but we did in that room.

"We expected our defense to be really good last year. We expect our defense to be good every year."

Austin has revealed that he is planning for the return of All-Pro defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, who will be a free agent when the league year officially ends in March.