ALLEN PARK -- When speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Aidan Hutchinson paused before answering a question about his dominant start to the 2025 season.
In that brief moment before answering, Hutchinson appeared to be reflecting on the nearly yearlong grind it took to get back to the moment of being recognized once again as one of the league’s best at his position.
Through four games, the Detroit Lions’ pass rusher is among the NFL’s leaders in sacks with four. For the second straight year around this time, betting odds have him as the favorite to win Defensive Player of the Year.
“It’s great. I feel like we’ve been getting it going and it’s been productive,” Hutchinson said. “It’s been fun going out there as a D-line. And really, it’s not just me, it’s a lot of players on our defense who are making plays in big moments that are helping us win games. So I think as long as we keep playing well as a defense and keep rushing the passer as a defensive line, we’re going to stay on this trajectory.”
Hutchinson’s 2024 campaign was cut short after five games when he broke his leg in a Week 6 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. With him sidelined — along with several other defensive injuries — the Lions struggled to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Despite the early exit, Hutchinson still finished with a team-leading 7.5 sacks, not including the production from former pass rusher Za’Darius Smith, who was acquired at the NFL trade deadline.
To Hutchinson’s point, the attention and double teams he has commanded from offensive lines this season have created opportunities for his teammates. Marcus Davenport (1) -- before his recent shoulder injury -- and Al-Quadin Muhammad (3.5) have both benefitted, contributing to the Lions’ total of 14 sacks, the second most in the league.
As the Lions prepare to visit the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday in hopes of extending their win streak to four, Hutchinson said he and his teammates won’t be taking any opponent lightly — even a Bengals team that has allowed 76 points in its last two games.
“Yeah, we’re in a great position, and we don’t take any opponent lightly. So, you know, we’re putting everything into this preparation, and we’re gonna be ready to go on Sunday.
“… we have a lot of highly driven guys on our team. Very, very competitive. So it’s, in the NFL, week in, week out, you’ve got to compete, and another guy from you is trying to make his paycheck. And yeah, it’s just the, it’s the DNA of our team.”
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