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Lions linebacker Stephen Tulloch returned to the field last week for the first time since tearing his ACL.

(Mike Mulholland | MLive.com)

ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions suffered the league's biggest free-agent loss when Ndamukong Suh bolted for Miami.

How Detroit goes about compensating for his loss, as well as that of Nick Fairley, will be one of the biggest keys to their season. And Stephen Tulloch isn't concerned.

"Speaking for our defense," the middle linebacker said, "I know we'll be damn good."

Better, he says, than even last year's defense.

"I think so," he said.

That will be a high bar to attain. The Lions finished second in overall defense last season, third in points allowed and were first against the run.

They allowed just 69.3 rushing yards per game, making it one of the 10 best rush defenses of all time.

That defense, and particularly the rush defense, will look different this year without Suh and Fairley anchoring things up front. But the Lions traded for a five-time All-Pro, Haloti Ngata, to help smooth the transition. And they return each of the remaining nine starters, including all the linebackers and defensive backs.

Coordinator Teryl Austin also is back after an offseason dalliance with the Atlanta Falcons.

That, according to Tulloch, should be more than enough firepower to remain one of the game's best defenses despite what losses occurred up front.

"Our secondary is as strong as it has been since I've been here," Tulloch said. "You guys (in the media) all know what we endured the first couple years of me being here."

Also helping to offset the loss of Suh is the return of Tulloch. The longtime starter played just two-plus games last year due to a torn ACL that he suffered while celebrating a sack against Green Bay.

He made his return to the field during OTAs last week, though participated only in individual drills. The 10th-year veteran is on course to make a full return before the start of the season.

"I'm back, I'm healthy. I'd be out there practicing (in team drills) if they let me," Tulloch said. "You see me out there running. I'm sure you got footage. I'm back, 2014's over. I'll be in the middle again this year, and we'll have a great defense and a great team."

Tulloch made the comments last week while promoting his annual charity softball game. It will be held Friday evening at King Boring Field in Dearborn.

Gates open at 5 p.m., and tickets cost $10. Proceeds benefit Tulloch's Operation 55, which works with underprivileged children in Detroit Public Schools.

Tulloch is the captain for one team, and Golden Tate is the captain for the other.

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