Defensive end Aidan Hutchinson of the Detroit Lions achieved Pro Bowler status in the 2023 season, recording a career-high 11.5 sacks. However, he is not satisfied with this accomplishment.
While acknowledging the success of the 2023 season, Hutchinson emphasized his commitment to continuous improvement. He views the entire year as a period of growth, marked by both team and individual challenges. Hutchinson expressed his enthusiasm for the learning process and noted the strides he made throughout the year.
Despite achieving impressive statistics, including 11.5 sacks, 14 tackles for loss, 33 quarterback hits, and 7 pass defenses in 2023, Hutchinson believes there are still untapped levels of potential for him to explore. He eagerly anticipates further growth in his abilities.
In the playoffs, Hutchinson’s performance continued to shine with 3 sacks, 3 tackles for loss, 8 quarterback hits, and 2 pass defenses across three games, building on his rookie season’s accomplishments in 2022.
Lions’ Aidan Hutchinson Improved Late in 2023 Season
Hutchinson improved upon his impressive rookie season with an outstanding performance in the overall 2023 season. He recorded 101 pressures in the regular season, ranking second-highest in the league. More significantly, he showcased his peak form in crucial games.
Post-Christmas, Hutchinson secured 8 sacks in the team’s last five games, including the postseason, along with 19 combined tackles, featuring 10 tackles for loss and 18 quarterback hits. The most successful NFL teams have their star players reaching their peak in December and January, and Hutchinson was no exception. This bodes well for his future and the team’s potential playoff run next year.
However, similar to some of his teammates, Hutchinson faced a dip in performance in the NFC championship game, failing to register a sack or tackle. Nevertheless, this setback is likely to motivate the 23-year-old, especially as he has set high expectations for an even better performance in his upcoming third season.
Lions Aiming to Pair Hutchinson With Elite Edge Rusher in 2024?
Improvement for Hutchinson may hinge on factors beyond his control, but the Lions possess the ability to make a significant impact. Despite Hutchinson’s impressive performance, tallying double-digit sacks and generating 101 pressures with minimal support from the rest of the defense, the lack of substantial contributions from other players is evident. Defensive tackle Alim McNeill achieved a career-high 5 sacks, but the remainder of Detroit’s defensive lineup struggled to surpass 3 sacks each.
To address this gap, there is speculation about the Lions pursuing edge rushers in the upcoming free agency. If the team successfully acquires an edge rusher to complement Hutchinson, opposing offensive lines would be compelled to distribute their attention more evenly, preventing a sole focus on the 23-year-old. This strategic move could potentially result in even more impressive statistics for Hutchinson.
In a recent 2024 mock draft by NFL.com’s Bucky Brooks, the Lions were predicted to select Penn State edge rusher Chop Robinson, while The Athletic’s Nick Baumgardner foresaw Ohio State edge rusher JT Tuimoloau as the potential pick on January 10. Furthermore, the Bleacher Report NFL scouting department suggested Philadelphia Eagles outside linebacker Haason Reddick as a viable trade target for the Lions during the offseason.
Despite not being an edge rusher, defensive tackle Justin Madubuike from the Baltimore Ravens is considered a strong fit for Detroit in free agency, as per Pro Football Focus’ Gordon McGuinness. Madubuike showcased an impressive performance in 2023, achieving career-high figures with 13 sacks, 12 tackles for loss, and 33 quarterback hits.
