Getty Aidan Hutchinson celebrates a sack in 2022 against Dallas.
The Detroit Lions have gotten a fantastic season out of many of their rookies, but the best news for the team is Aidan Hutchinson continues to lead the way.
Hutchinson easily has looked like the most dynamic rookie defender in football this season, and he continues to rack up the impressive accolades to start the season the more moves he makes.
Thus far, Hutchinson has had a unique start to the season. He has collected sacks and pocket pressures, but in addition to that, has shown himself as a weapon dropping back and intercepting the ball.
As a result of that, Hutchinson has made more unique NFL history. As Lions PR pointed out, he has become the first defensive lineman since 2010 to have at least five sacks, two interceptions and a recovered fumble. Better than that, he’s the first rookie to accomplish the feat since 1986. Before that, the last time it happened was 1969.
.@Lions DL @aidanhutch97 is the @NFL‘s 1st defensive lineman to produce a season with at least 5.0 sacks, 2 INTs & a FR since @JaredAllen69 in 2010.
He becomes only the 3rd rookie DL in #NFL history to do so, joining Leslie O’Neal (1986) & John Zook (1969).
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“Lions DL Aidan Hutchinson is the NFL’s 1st defensive lineman to produce a season with at least 5.0 sacks, 2 INTs & a FR since Jared Allen in 2010. He becomes only the 3rd rookie DL in NFL history to do so, joining Leslie O’Neal (1986) & John Zook (1969),” the site tweeted.
As a result of this work, it’s clear that Hutchinson has become quite a rare athlete in the league. He can do a bit of everything on defense, which makes him a very valuable piece for the future.
Watch Aidan Hutchinson’s Interception vs. Giants
Just when the Lions needed it the most, Hutchinson stepped up with a beautiful interception and some great recognition of a play when the Giants were driving and looking to maintain a lead
Hutchinson dropped back and read the eyes of Daniel Jones, soaring for an interception that helped jump-start the Detroit offense. The recognition on the play was fantastic for a young player.
Aidan Hutchinson showing off those hands. His 2nd interception of the year! 🙌
📺: #DETvsNYG on FOX
📱: Stream on NFL+ t.co/0gauSAokuv
These moves show that Hutchinson is capable of making some big plays on defense. He isn’t just a one-trick pony, but rather a player who can do plenty of other things in between the lines as well to make a difference in the game.
Aidan Hutchinson Enjoying Great Career Start
Even as he is learning the league, it’s clear that Hutchinson has shown some breakout ability early in his career. Already, he has surged to the top of some NFL leaderboards to start the season.
So far this season, Hutchinson has raked in the pressures up front, and has been the best rookie in the league in terms of pressuring the pocket.
In addition to all that pocket pressure, Hutchinson has paid things off with 5.5 sacks and 31 tackles. Additionally, he made perhaps his biggest play in his young Lions career soaring for a game-changing interception in the red zone vs. Green Bay. That was before the Week 11 pick:
First career pick for the first round pick❗️
#GBvsDET | 📺 FOX
Coming into the year, many wondered if Hutchinson could contend for Rookie of the Year and other top honors. His performance so far shows why that could be the case, providing he can put up some numbers moving forward in the second half even as folks target him up front for more attention.
Every week, Hutchinson continues to have a historical impact on the game. The more he is able to do, the more impressive he seems to be.