The Detroit Lions were poised to go all the way to the Super Bowl last year. However, the NFL is a cruel business and injuries got in the way of the team. One of those injuries was key to hamper their defensive output. However, that player has now warned the rest of the league about his return. He will help Jared Goff and company to succeed.
Defensive end Aidan Hutchinson was becoming an absolute force to be reckoned with. Quarterbacks were being terrorized by Hutchinson until his leg got broken. However, he is back and ready to roll.
Hutchinson spoke in the With the First Pick podcast. About his rehab, he said, “I’m exactly where I need to be. Every year I’ve been able to improve on my own physical attributes along with the mental ones, so I feel like every year I take a step. Despite having that rehab this offseason, I feel like I’m in the perfect spot and exactly where I need to be going into Year 4.” Hutchinson’s mindset is one to admire. He is looking forward to get back on the field and start producing again.
Hutchinson is a top-tier talent
Since arriving to the NFL in 2022, Hutchinson has been a great pass rusher. In his rookie season, he stacked up 9.5 sacks. His second season got him a Pro Bowl selection after 11.5 sacks and 33 QB hits. In 2024, he had 7.5 sacks in just 5 games. He was balling out until that unfaithful broken leg injury.
Hutchinson was beginning to look like an elite pass rusher. After a long and hard rehab, Hutchinson wants to go back to be that player that got to opposing quarterbacks with ease.
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The Lions have one hurdle to overcome
Hutchinson is back, most of their defensive stars are back and with that, the defensive side is settled. As for the offense, they have one of the best units in the NFL. From the offensive line, to their skill players, to Jared Goff, the Lions have one of the best rosters in the league.
The only hurdle they need to overcome is losing both of their coordinators. While Ben Johnson left his offensive coordinator duties to become the Chicago Bears head coach, Aaron Glenn stopped being the defensive coordinator as he was appointed the New York Jets head coach. If they can overcome that, the team will be a Super Bowl contender once again.
