'He Does Everything': Hutchinson Has Quickly Improved

Detroit Lions' 2022 rookie class has made an immediate impact.

Rookie defensive end Aidan Hutchinson has become an anchor for the Detroit Lions' defense.

In his first professional season, Hutchinson currently leads all rookies in sacks (seven) and pressures (41). He’s become an effective piece of an ever-improving Lions defense.

Detroit head coach Dan Campbell explained his view of the Michigan product’s growth and how he has become a top player on the defense, in a short amount of time.

More: Amon-Ra St. Brown Among Top PFF-Graded Lions

“I think the progression is just overall as a football player in this league,” Campbell said. “Because that’s really what he is. He’s a pass-rusher, he can pass rush. He’s a run defender, he’s a run defender. He can drop into coverage. He's a football player, like he is versatile. He’s got a knack for run-action pass when they’re doing it. He can kind of sniff those things out. He understands, and has a few things in his repertoire, as it pertains to rushing the quarterback. He plays stout on the edge in the run game. He finishes, he’s high motor. He’s got a knack for trying to punch at balls, footballs, that is. He does everything -- he just does -- and that, to me, it’s not just one thing, it’s the totality of it. He does everything, and has gotten that much better.”

Hutchinson is part of what has become a stellar rookie class for the Lions’ defense. He’s one of three rookies starting on the defense, alongside linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez and safety Kerby Joseph. Additionally, sixth-round pick James Houston has recorded five total sacks in his first four professional games, setting a new league record.

© Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports

Cleaning up mistakes

The Lions have won six of their last seven games, to thrust themselves into playoff contention. However, the most recent win over the New York Jets didn’t come easy or without tribulations.

Detroit failed to capitalize on several opportunities, including having to settle for field goals in the red zone. Entering Sunday’s game as the league’s best offense, in terms of scoring touchdowns in the red zone, the Lions couldn’t reach the end zone on any of their three red-zone trips.

Campbell assessed his team’s struggles Monday, as the team prepares for a big game Saturday against the Carolina Panthers.

“Offensively, there was a couple things in there of just us targeting, believe it or not,” Campbell explained. “Exactly identifying that we’re all on the same page, as to where we’re going, because we say it all the time here, if you’re wrong, then we’re all wrong. As long as we’re all wrong, then we’re alright. So, we had a couple where, 'I think you’re going here, I’m supposed to be going here, are you going there?' Stuff that we haven’t really done the last few weeks that should be things that should be behind us. To the Jets’ credit, they disguised a lot of things, they did a few things very well. That’s also why they’re a very good defense, but that’s no excuse for us."

Campbell also pointed out the drops on offense and the big plays allowed on defense as issues that hampered the Lions against the Jets, though the team was ultimately able to win in the end.

Notes

The NFL announced the top vote getters for the Pro Bowl games, and several Lions cracked the list at their respective positions.

• Frank Ragnow -- Center, third place
• Aidan Hutchinson -- Defensive end, second place
•  Jonah Jackson -- Offensive guard, seventh place
• Jamaal Williams -- Running back, ninth place
• Penei Sewell -- Offensive tackle, fourth place 
• Taylor Decker -- Offensive tackle, sixth place
• DeShon Elliott -- Strong safety, seventh place
• Kerby Joseph -- Free safety, third place (1st in NFC)
• Jared Goff -- Quarterback, 10th place
• Amon-Ra St. Brown -- Wide receiver, sixth place

No context Dan Campbell

“He’s got a knack for trying to punch balls. Footballs, that is.” pic.twitter.com/hELIgQ2Jw3

— Colton Pouncy (@colton_pouncy) December 19, 2022