ALLEN PARK, Mich. – Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson emphasized the importance of winning the final three games of the season to get into the playoffs.
“It’s there in front of you. Three games to go. We’ve been talking about kind of must-wins. It’s basically all must-win. Got to finish out strong,” Hutchinson said.
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Hutchinson acknowledged the team’s ups and downs this season and the need to string together wins.
“It’s been definitely a little bit up and down. Great wins, and we have a tough loss. We just got to string these last three together to give ourselves a chance,” Hutchinson said.
Hutchinson agreed with coach Dan Campbell’s assessment that the upcoming opponent plays a physical “bully ball” style.
“I think we have to if we’re going to compete and try to win the game,” Hutchinson said, noting the opponent will try to establish the run game.
Reflecting on his past experiences against quarterback Aaron Rodgers at Ford Field, Hutchinson welcomed the challenge.
“I’d love it if he threw me another one. That’d be great,” Hutchinson joked. “He’s a competitor, man, and he’s been doing it at a high level for a long time. We all have a ton of respect for him.”
On facing quarterbacks with quick releases like Rodgers and Matthew Stafford, Hutchinson stressed patience and persistence.
“You don’t get frustrated. Just keep rushing, and eventually you’ll get home,” Hutchinson said.
Regarding the Steelers’ use of versatile players like Kenneth Gainwell, Hutchinson said personnel shifts mostly affect linebackers and defensive backs, not his role on the defensive line.
When asked about improving run defense, Hutchinson said the team needs to return to fundamentals.
“We’ve been doing it all year. We just got to do it again,” Hutchinson said.
Hutchinson noted that some of the opponent’s success on the ground was due to self-inflicted errors by the Lions.
“We believe that we can fix it in our rooms and move forward,” Hutchinson said.
When asked to clarify “self-inflicted,” he explained it means putting themselves in the best position to make plays.
Look for the former Michigan Wolverines standout to try to get his hands on Rodgers and his Steelers as the Lions will try to bounce back at 4:25 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025.