Detroit Lions PFF Grades vs. Chargers: Aidan Hutchinson has solid game despite no sacks
On Sunday, the Detroit Lions pulled out a 41-38 win over the Los Angeles Chargers, but the defense did not do much to help the cause, especially in the passing game, as they allowed Chargers QB Justin Herbert to complete 27-of-40 passes for 323 yards and four touchdowns. With that being said, the rush defense was solid once again, as they only allowed 98 total yards on the ground (3.8 yards per carry). Pro Football Focus has released their grades for Sunday’s game, and Alim McNeil and Aidan Hutchinson were two defensive starters to post solid grades.
Top 5 Grades (20 snaps or more)
- Alim McNeill 86.2
- Aidan Hutchinson 79.5
- John Cominsky 73.5
- Alex Anzalone 72.8
- Benito Jones 64.8
Bottom 5 Grades (20 snaps or more)
- Cameron Sutton 43.2
- Kerby Joseph 43.9
- Brian Branch 49.1
- Julian Okwara 49.2
- Josh Paschal 50.3
Full Grades
Here are all of the grades from Sunday’s win over the Chargers:
TL;DR (too long didn’t read)
- Defensive Standouts: In the Detroit Lions’ close win over the Los Angeles Chargers, Alim McNeil and Aidan Hutchinson earned high praise from Pro Football Focus (PFF). McNeil topped the list with a grade of 86.2, while Hutchinson, despite not recording any sacks, put up a solid performance with a grade of 79.5.
- Rush Defense Efficiency: The Lions’ rush defense was effective, limiting the Chargers to just 98 yards on the ground at an average of 3.8 yards per carry. This defensive effort in the running game played a crucial role in the Lions’ victory.
- Contrasting Performances: While some players like McNeil and Hutchinson shone, the Lions also had players who struggled according to PFF. Cameron Sutton, Kerby Joseph, Brian Branch, Julian Okwara, and Josh Paschal were the bottom five graded players on the team, each scoring below 51, indicating areas that need improvement.
Bottom Line: The Defense Needs to Improve
The Detroit Lions demonstrated a strong rush defense led by notable performances from McNeil and Hutchinson, although their pass defense faced challenges, as evidenced by the lower grades of several defensive players. These varying performances highlight both strengths and areas for growth as the Lions continue their season.
