ALLEN PARK, Mich. – Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson addressed the team’s defensive struggles over the last five weeks, conceding an average of about 458 total yards and 145 yards on the ground.
“That’s obviously not up to you guys’ standard there,” Hutchinson acknowledged when asked about the biggest issues defensively.
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Hutchinson declined to pinpoint specific problems, saying, “I’m not going to go identifying the issues. I’m going to leave that to the people above me, the coordinators and stuff. I’m just going to say that all our focus is on this next game and getting this thing going in the right direction in these final two games of the season.”
Reflecting on the Week 9 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, which coach Dan Campbell called the worst game of the season in all three phases, Hutchinson said, “I don’t know. I think defensively it’s all about up front at least. It’s all about creating pressure, creating sacks, creating opportunities for takeaways, getting takeaways.”
Hutchinson emphasized that focusing on those controllable factors is key to winning games.
Turning point
Asked if the loss was a turning point for the season, Hutchinson replied, “No. I think we lost the game, but in no way did I think that defined us at all.”
Moving on
On the challenge of moving on quickly after a tough loss against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Hutchinson said, “It’s fast, but I think as much as that loss hurt the team, having a short week really makes you shift focus and invest all your energy into a new opponent. I think that is a blessing.”
Hutchinson discussed playing 82% of snaps in the latest game and about 91% on the season, noting some endurance concerns before the game but ultimately feeling fine during play.
“I train all offseason. I prepare myself to go through games playing that many snaps,” Hutchinson said.
Hutchinson described communicating with coaches about when he needed brief rests during long drives.
He credited former defensive line coach Terrell Williams for teaching him to manage his reps and take designated breaks during games.
Holiday games
Regarding playing on holidays, Hutchinson expressed excitement about the upcoming Christmas game and appreciated the chance to spend the holiday weekend at home.
“I love to win one of these holiday games,” Hutchinson said. “Thanksgiving game still pisses me off. So I’m like, just give me Christmas. That’s kind of the mentality.”
When asked what the defense wants to show in the upcoming game, Hutchinson said, “One thing I want to show is just having fun out there. Football in the NFL is a business, but you have to treat it like a fun game that you love in order to get results.”
Defense having fun
Hutchinson explained that when the defense is having fun, celebrating, and energized, it leads to better performance.
Reflecting on the recent lull in energy, Hutchinson said the team had a conversation about getting back to playing with joy and intensity, especially when facing adversity.
“That’s when you play your best as a defense,” he said. “When you’re flying around having a good time.”
Christmas memory
Hutchinson shared a favorite Christmas gift memory.
“My favorite Christmas gift was a trampoline way back in the day,” Hutchinson said. “I don’t jump on a trampoline anymore, but I actually have a little mini one to create circulation.”
Hutchinson recalled using the trampoline a lot around age 10 and joked about no longer doing flips due to head injuries from football.
Catch the Michigan Wolverines legend on Thursday as the Lions take on the Vikings at 4:30 p.m. on Netflix.