Aidan 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.”
The vision isn’t a complete dream. After beginning the season with a poor 1-6 record, the Detroit Lions won eight of their final 10 contests. Ultimately, the team finished with a 9-8 record, falling just short of reaching the NFL Playoffs.
Hutchinson was a significant factor behind the Lions’ miraculous turnaround. The 6-foot-7 rookie recorded 34 solo tackles and 9.5 sacks in 17 games. Detroit finished its season with an impressive 20-16 triumph against the Green Bay Packers.
Hutchinson believes the final victory 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.”
If the Lions hope to meet Hutchinson’s expectations, they must improve on defense. The team allowed 4,179 passing yards last year, the 30th most in the NFL. Further, the team recorded 39 sacks, only good for 18th-most in the league.
Hutchinson and his fellow Lions will look to improve those figures in the Lions’ season opener against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sept. 7.