Aidan Hutchinson discusses the opportunity that lies ahead for the Lions in 2023
The Detroit Lions are picking up a lot of praise heading into the upcoming NFL season. After going 9-8, including with wins in eight of their final ten, the franchise has a legitimate shot to reach the top of their division for the first time since the early 90s.
Aidan Hutchinson can feel that energy too based on what he said on ‘The Rich Eisen Show’ a week or so back. He knows what could potentially lie in front of the Lions this season and is happy to see that the rest of the league will get to see it firsthand.
“It’s an opportunity that we have right in front of us,” Hutchinson said. “We’ve got some primetime games this year. I mean, last year, we were fighting to get a primetime game. We finally got one by the end of the year. I love these primetime games and I love being in the mix.”
Another reason why Hutchinson is ready to capitalize is because, even though last year was only his rookie year, he knows what comes with a bad stretch. After starting 1-6 a season ago, he, along with the rest of Detroit’s team, is motivated to make the most of this year.
“Something that I realized last year is that it is not fun being in the league when you’re not winning ball games,” said Hutchinson. “Players are getting cut, coaches are getting fired. It’s a little bit dark, I’m not going to lie, whenever a team loses ball games.”
“That just motivates us to do that much more now. To win and be a leader. To do everything that I’ve got to do to help the boys win,” said Hutchinson.
In the end, the goal is very simple to Hutchinson. Considering the opportunity that is in front of them, he said that the objective is nothing short of bringing the first Super Bowl to Detroit and the first championship for the city since 2008.
“At the end of the day, we want a Super Bowl for Detroit,” Hutchinson said. “That’s it. Detroit has been waiting for this for a long time.”
Hutchinson sends strong message to Lions fans ahead of the season
It only took Aidan Hutchinson one season to endear himself to Detroit Lions fans. Now, the 22-year-old defensive end just delivered his most exciting message yet.
“I put everything into this offseason that I could have. And I think everybody, all the guys, have done everything that they could to prepare to have a great successful season,” Hutchinson said on The Rich Eisen Show. “Obviously, you know the goal, Rich — playoffs and Super Bowl. I want it all. Expectations are high but I think I think our mindsets and our work ethics match our goals. So that’s the vision right there.”
Hutchinson believes their final victory against the Green Bay Packers was just the confidence boost the team needed heading into the 2023 season.
“Man, it was a great way to end the season. We knew it was the end, but we knew if we beat ’em, it’d be their end, too. So, it was a great way to go out, man. Unfortunately, you couldn’t make it to the playoffs, but the boys were rollin’ that day,” Hutchinson said.
Hutchinson doesn’t expect that “rollin’” to come to a halt anytime soon. With some significant changes to the team’s offense in the offseason, the former Michigan standout believes the Lions have a chance to make waves this year.
“I’m not one to make any predictions, now,” Hutchinson said. “But I think next year’s going to be a real good year, man. I can feel it. Going into year two? I feel like this is gonna be a really good year all around for all the boys.”