There are high expectations in Detroit for Aidan Hutchinson, and rightly so. The Detroit Lions' defensive star has consistently proven his mettle on the NFL stage, and now both his coaches and peers are vying for him to reach unprecedented heights.
Hutchinson himself expressed the unique challenges that come with Week 1 games. As he mentioned to Sports Illustrated, "These Week 1 games are always a little hard to prepare for because you don't really have any film to work on." This sentiment underscores the complexities and unpredictability of early-season matchups, but Hutchinson has no intention of letting that hold him back. Facing potential lineup changes in the Rams' offensive line due to suspensions and injuries, Hutchinson’s focus is unshakeable: "I’m just gonna be out there (against) whoever they put in front of me. I don’t really care. That’s always been the mentality."
Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn is not shy about his lofty ambitions for Hutchinson either. Speaking candidly to MLive, Glenn emphasized, “Now he’s at that point that he needs to set his sights at being, if not the best player defensively in this league, to one of the best players, which he is. But now it’s time for him to look at himself as the best player.” These expectations are far from far-fetched, considering Hutchinson’s influence on the Lions' pass rush last season, where he led the team with 101 pressures. This eye-popping stat placed him among an elite group of defensive stalwarts, just behind Micah Parsons in pressures among edge rushers according to Pro Football Focus.
Hutchinson has displayed not just raw talent but also a palpable drive to continually elevate his game. A considerable influence on his development has been new defensive line coach Terrell Williams. Hutchinson mentioned to MLive how Williams “unlocked things in me that…allows me to play at a higher level.” This synergy between player and coach has been mutually beneficial, pushing Hutchinson to new heights right from their very first dinner meeting.
Looking at the strategic aspect, the Lions' defensive reinforcements provide Hutchinson with even more opportunities to shine. The Lions bolstered their defensive backfield and added notable rookies and veterans to the mix, including top draft picks and the acquisition of cornerback Carlton Davis III, linebacker Jack Campbell, and the imposing nose tackle DJ Reader. All these moves aim to fortify a unit where Hutchinson acts as the cornerstone.
As we look ahead to the Lions' season opener against the Rams, Hutchinson's matchup is particularly intriguing. As Sports Illustrated noted, Hutchinson expressed anticipation about facing his former Michigan teammate Blake Corum, now a Rams’ running back. Jokingly, Hutchinson wishes Corum the best but clarifies sagely, "not Week 1."
With a meticulously honed skill set and a support structure that’s propelling him to set and surpass towering benchmarks, Aidan Hutchinson is on the cusp of something truly special. The road to becoming the NFL’s top defender is laden with challenges, but Hutchinson seems more than equipped to navigate it. As the Lions kick off what promises to be an electrifying season, all eyes will be on #97, expecting greatness and perhaps, witnessing history in the making.
What other sites are saying about this topic
Lions DC wants Aidan Hutchinson to set sights on being NFL's top defender from
Lions Want Hutchinson Aiming to Be 'Best' NFL Defensive Player from Sports Illustrated
Los Angeles Rams bold predictions for Week 1 Sunday Night Football vs. Lions from ClutchPoints
Aidan Hutchinson: Week 1 Is Always Hard to Prepare For from Sports Illustrated
Detroit Lions well aware of Rams newfound shift toward pounding the rock from MLive
Detroit Lions season preview: Depth chart, what to expect from newcomers on defense from Detroit Free Press