The Detroit Lions’ joint practices with the Miami Dolphins gave us plenty to chew on, but one thing stood out above the rest: Aidan Hutchinson looks better than ever.
The “Hutch Rule” Was In Effect
Coming off a season-ending leg injury in 2024, there were questions about whether Hutchinson could return to his dominant form. Based on multiple reports from the two-day sessions in Miami, those questions have been answered, and then some. Hutchinson reportedly wreaked so much havoc against Dolphins offensive linemen that coaches had to invoke what’s being called the “Hutch Rule.”
Aidan Hutchinson Detroit Lions record Aidan Hutchinson comeback 2025 Detroit Lions joint practice vs. Dolphins
The rule is simple: when Hutchinson beats his man and records what would’ve been a sack, the play doesn’t stop. Instead, it continues so Miami’s offense can get additional reps. Put another way, he was wrecking practice so badly, they had to pretend he wasn’t there.
One report even suggested that if these practices were real games, Hutchinson could have stacked up double-digit sacks in just two days. That’s dominance on a level rarely seen, even in controlled scrimmages.
A Man On A Mission
Before breaking his leg last season, Hutchinson had already logged 7.5 sacks in fewer than five full games, a pace that had him trending toward the Defensive Player of the Year award. That dream was cut short, but now it looks like Hutchinson is back on track to make 2025 his breakout year.
If he stays healthy, the Detroit Lions won’t just have one of the most disruptive defenders in football; they’ll have a player capable of completely changing games, series, and maybe even the NFC playoff picture.
Bottom Line
Hutchinson isn’t just recovered. He’s reloaded. And the rest of the NFL should take notice.
What is your biggest takeaway from the Lions’ joint practices with the Dolphins? Let us know in the comments section!