The Detroit Lions are looking to clinch their first road win of the season, against the New England Patriots on Sunday. The defense proved to be costly in their Week 4 loss to the Seahawks, leading to a few changes on that side of the ball. While things may look a little bit different, the team is hoping for a significant change. Rookie Aidan Hutchinson may be having a slow start to the season, however, he will be one to keep your eye out for on Sunday.
Hutchinson’s spotlight game so far has been their home-win verse the Washington Commanders. The rookie recorded a team-high 16 quarterback pressures and tacked on three sacks in that game. While that was a notable game, he’s been pretty quiet on the stat sheet in other games.
Other factors to take into account, Hutchinson has faced the second-highest rate of double teams among edge rushers. That means he’s seen a second blocker in more than 30% of his pash-rush snaps. His inconsistencies, however, result in one of the worst pass-rush win rates in the league.
Hutchinson spoke to the media Thursday, expressing the importance of not getting discouraged.
“You’ve just got to be as active as you can, especially when you get that chip, you get those different scenarios, you’ve just got to stay active, and not get discouraged by the chip, because that’s what they’re trying to do.”
Hutchinson joins in on the Lions experiment
He is a big part of the changes the Lions are experimenting with on defense. Dan Campbell spoke on Hutchinson Monday, saying moving him around may give him a better opportunity for success.
“‘Do we need to move him in some different spots?’ Do we need see if we can give him an opportunity to have more success? But look, I think he did a lot of good things in the run game yesterday, and look, I think he’s kind of where our defense is right now, where we’ve just got to improve, I mean get a little bit better… but I’m certainly not disappointed in him.”
The 22-year-old isn’t worried about any of the changes being made on defense, and he’s confident the team will turn it around.
“You know, we’re just going with the flow, and we’re feeling things out, and we are going to be ready on Sunday.”
The New England Patriots will be starting third-string quarterback Bailey Zappe. Mac Jones is still out with a high ankle sprain and Brian Hoyer left their last game with a concussion, leaving Zappe as their only option. He took over the QB spot during the first half of last week’s game. In three quarters, he completed 10 passes for 99 yards and a touchdown, but was sacked three times.
The obvious change in the offense with a different quarterback could be a positive for the Lions’ defense, and a positive for Aidan Hutchison.
The Detroit Lions will head to Gillette Stadium for their Week 5 matchup with the New England Patriots on Sunday.
Maddy Miller – Detroit Lions Beat Reporter
On Twitter: @madelynvmillerr
Photo Credit:© Kirthmon F. Dozier / USA TODAY NETWORK
