If you thought Aidan Hutchinson might slow down after last year’s leg injury, think again. The Detroit Lions’ star pass rusher has been back to wreaking havoc, and then some, through the first month of the 2025 NFL season.
Hutchinson has been everywhere for Kelvin Sheppard’s defense, racking up 31 pressures (tied for 1st in the NFL), five sacks (3rd), and 12 quarterback hits (3rd). He’s looked every bit like the dominant force that helped Detroit rise into Super Bowl contention a year ago.
But not everything’s gone his way.
Bad Luck, No Problem
Despite the strong start, Hutchinson’s had three sacks wiped out by defensive penalties, an understandably frustrating trend for one of the NFL’s most disruptive players. Still, the former Michigan Wolverine isn’t letting it mess with his mindset.
“This is the last time we’re talking about it,” Hutchinson said as quoted by Lions OnSI. “This is going to be no more. I’m not even giving it any power over me. So yeah, we’re good. And this will be the last conversation we have about it, because it won’t happen again.”
That’s vintage Hutch, confident, composed, and laser-focused on what’s ahead rather than what’s gone wrong.
All About the Long Game
Hutchinson says his approach this year has been simple: one week at a time.
“I really got a marathon view on this season and I’m taking it one week at a time,” he said. “I’m putting every single preparation I can into every week and we’ll see how the cards lay at the end of the week. And then, we do it all over again.”
He emphasized that success comes down to the “little details”, and that’s been the hallmark of this Lions defense. They’re playing disciplined, opportunistic football, and it’s paying off.
The Takeaway Machine
Detroit’s defense has been a takeaway factory so far, consistently setting up John Morton’s offense with short fields. Hutchinson says that’s no accident.
“We’re creating takeaways, which is probably more than we’ve done since I’ve been here, you know, at a really high level,” Hutchinson said. “It was all about punch outs. It was all about creating takeaways, getting interceptions, finishing — not on the quarterback in practice, but mentally doing it. And I think it’s paying dividends.”
And it’s showing, the Lions’ offense has been rolling, thanks in part to the defense’s relentless pursuit of the football.
The Bottom Line
Three erased sacks? Doesn’t matter. Aidan Hutchinson is on a mission, and if his tone says anything, his best football is still ahead.
Detroit’s defense has found its swagger again, and Hutchinson’s right in the middle of it, leading, learning, and, as he said, making sure “it won’t happen again.”
Recent Comments