Notebook: Hutchinson Expects Lions to Keep 'Train Rolling'

Hutchinson, Lions confident ahead of NFC Championship.

Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson knows what's at stake for the team on Sunday. 

With the Lions being just one win from a Super Bowl appearance, there's plenty of urgency within the team headquarters. However, this run the team is on has given the group a new sense of confidence. 

There's a swagger that comes with being one of the final four teams remaining, and Hutchinson and company have come to embody it in recent weeks. 

“I think we just got the mentality where we’re gonna keep this train rolling,” Hutchinson said. “And, I think we’re all ready for this game. I don’t know if there’s too much anticipation yet. But, we all have great mentalities coming into this one, and I feel like we’re at the point where it’s just, we’ve gotten this far, let’s take this thing all the way.

“I think we all believe we’re all gonna come into that game with the expectation of winning it, going to the Super Bowl," Hutchinson continued further. "That’s what we believe. We expect nothing less. That’s our attitude going in there, and I think (Dan) Campbell’s right on the money (saying we’re prepared).”

Hutchinson has been a Michigander for his whole life. However, he admittedly wasn't always a Lions fan growing up.

With his father being from Texas and a natural affinity for the New England Patriots' dynasty in his youth, Hutchinson didn't gravitate to the struggling Lions as a youngster.

However, having remained home and now being a big part of the turnaround in the organization's fortunes, he has been able to enjoy watching fans appreciate what the team has been able to do in its journey to the NFC Championship Game.

“No doubt, growing up here, you grow up with a lot of the ‘Same Old Lions’ stuff and a lot of the tragedy and whatever you want to call it," Hutchinson said. "I grew up with it, and so to be on this side of it -- I see videos of little kids and just like seeing that generation grow up with this Lions team and the Lions teams to come. It’s just cool to have two different perspectives on it, and to see kind of both sides of the coin.”

Offense built on 'speed and attitude' 

Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson has drawn plenty of recognition for his success calling the team's plays over the last two seasons. 

Projected to be a top candidate for the remaining head coach positions around the league, Johnson is a brilliant offensive mind that has helped mold the Lions into one of the league's best. 

On Thursday, he explained his vision for the unit, and what he wants the group's identity to be. 

"Shoot, I'd like to think it all starts with the fundamentals and technique. I'd say that's a huge part of it, because it's what we've been preaching from the spring time through training camp and then even now during the season, all those little things," Johnson said. "But, when you turn on the tape, I would love to think that you see us playing with speed and attitude, speed and attitude. We've talked about that from day one, and hopefully, when you turn it on, that's what's showing up each and every week." 

Aaron Glenn: Lions' Defense Will 'Bite Someone's Face Off'

Campbell gets unique advice

Dan Campbell got a text from his mentor, Bill Parcells, that had two important words pertaining to the Lions' upcoming trip to San Francisco. 

"He (Parcells) said, 'Congratulations, shoes,'" Campbell said. 

The message was referring to the conditions at Levi's Stadium during the matchup between Green Bay and San Francisco in the Divisional Round, the third-year coach explained. Footwear will be a point of emphasis for Sunday's game. 

"Did you watch the game the other night, San Francisco-Green Bay? With all the slips, the falls? That’s Coach Parcells, classic," Campbell commented. "He’ll always give you some substance."

Campbell also peeled back the curtain on what creating a gameplan is like inside the team's Allen Park headquarters. 

The third-year coach outlined a collaborative process. Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn is tasked with finding the best way to neutralize an opposing offense, while Ben Johnson evaluates the best way for the offense to maneuver down the field. 

Special teams coordinator Dave Fipp has the responsibility of finding which area of special teams needs the most emphasis. 

Then, Campbell brings it all together into a cohesive outline. 

"You do that, and then my job is to compile all of it and decide what's the best way to do this," Campbell said. "I understand this is what we can do, now maybe we need to be a little more conservative here or a little more aggressive offensively, defensively, special teams. That, to me, is where you start pulling areas. This level goes up, this goes down, these two levels go up and then you just kind of, by the time you get to the game, you've got a pretty good idea of how you want to handle it." 

Glenn: Purdy has 'Joe Montana' traits

San Francisco's offense is piloted by Brock Purdy, who was an afterthought when he was selected with the last pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. However, with injuries and fate having its way, he has emerged as the leader of the team's potent offense. 

Though his success has come as a surprise, he has skills that have helped him grow into his role. The second-year passer has impeccable timing and strong footwork, which allow him to deliver the ball quickly to his receivers. 

Standing at 6-foot-1, the young quarterback is smaller in stature than other prominent quarterbacks. However, he makes up for that lack of size with his understanding of the offense and ability to execute at a high level. 

Glenn stated that he plans to mix up coverage looks in an effort to disrupt the passer's timing. 

Detroit's defensive coordinator also drew a correlation between Purdy and Hall of Fame passer Joe Montana, based on their respective skill-sets. 

"So, when you have that, listen, I'm not comparing him to Joe Montana, but you kind of see those traits," Glenn said. "Once he hits his back foot, that ball's out. I think a lot of offensive coordinators, quarterback coaches like that, because of the timing of the offense. So, I think he fits that system very, very well. He's doing a really good job for them." 

Homecoming for Fipp

Sunday's game will serve as a homecoming for special teams coordinator Dave Fipp, who hails from California and spent three seasons on staff with the 49ers from 2008-2010. 

Fipp explained that he first got the job with the 49ers through a recommendation from Jeff Rodgers, for whom Fipp had provided help with on a project earlier in his career. 

The Lions special teams coordinator expressed that Rodgers had taken his job previously, but by putting that behind him, he was able to maintain a connection that would ultimately land him a job. 

"So, I try to say to everybody, especially my kids and they don't listen, don't burn bridges. You just never know when it's gonna come back," Fipp said. "For me, the chance to go back there is incredible, super grateful for it. Obviously, the best way I can show them that is by playing well for us on special teams."