New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick has warned his side that they have to deal with the threat of defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh if they are to beat the Detroit Lions.

Suh has been in imperious form for Jim Caldwell's side this season and has played a pivotal role in helping them become the best statistical defense in the league so far in the campaign.

Belichick feels that his side cannot afford to let the 27-year-old ruin their gameplan as they look to earn their seventh win in a row.

"He changes everything," Belichick said on NFL Network. "You can't let him penetrate or he'll foul the whole play up.

"You've got to secure him on the line of scrimmage and again, that's a lot easier said than done because of his talent and also some of the different looks they give you.

"He's very disruptive in both the running game and the passing game. He's got great effort. He makes plays in pursuit and on the backside. So really there's no weakness in his game."

The Patriots have a 8-2 record in their season going into their clash against the Lions.