AIDAN HUTCHINSON

ALLEN PARK — Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn has earned another second interview, this time for the Indianapolis Colts’ head-coaching vacancy. He also spoke twice with the Arizona Cardinals and remains a finalist for that position. Glenn has emerged as a hot commodity in recent years, also speaking with the Denver Broncos and New Orleans Saints for their openings last offseason. If he doesn’t land a job this offseason, he’ll be in good position to finally break through next year with continued improvement. “Honestly, AG would be a great fit for just about anybody,” Lions head coach Dan Campbell said last offseason.

MOBILE, Ala. -- Former Michigan standout wide receiver Ronnie Bell’s eyes lit up when asked about Aidan Hutchinson down at the 2023 Senior Bowl. Bell cut the ESPN question off, saying Hutchinson’s performance was “sick, man,” before saying he never doubted his former Michigan teammate’s ability to boost the Detroit Lions in Year 1. “Oh, yeah (change perception of the Lions),” Bell said. Bell was also the fifth-fastest player recorded during the National session, hitting 19.56 mph during the onboarding first practice. You want to show what you got and continue to have good days and stack days on top of days.”

Just looking forward to next year. But in Week 4 of that season, Okwara blew out his Achilles in Chicago against the Bears. But still just 27 years old, there’s no reason to think Okwara can’t return to form. “I’m looking forward to focusing on that, and having a big year next year,” Okwara said. “I’m looking forward to that.”

Jalen Hurts, Justin Jefferson and Patrick Mahomes are finalists for The Associated Press 2022 NFL Most Valuable Player and Offensive Player of the Year awards.

The defensive line looks like it needs another body or two for the interior. Hutchinson looks like the blue chipper this defense needed. DVOA rankings had Detroit’s run defense ranked 20th and its pass defense 23rd in Weeks 10 through 18. That’s not great, but it’s better than the 25th (run defense) and 30th (pass defense) rankings they registered in the first nine weeks. Hutchinson looks like the motor that could push this thing to the next level, while Houston, Paschal and McNeill create an intriguing foundation.

ALLEN PARK -- No Detroit Lions players had won rookie of the month since Ndamukong Suh in 2010, and just two players had accomplished the feat ever. The former Michigan star closed out his stellar rookie campaign by winning defensive NFL rookie of the month for December/January. It was the most productive season by any Lions rookie since Suh, who was named defensive rookie of the year in 2010. Hutchinson played 958 defensive snaps this season overall, which trailed just Maxx Crosby among all defensive linemen this season, and trailed just DeForest Buckner among all rookie defensive linemen ever. “I will say this,” Lions defensive line coach Todd Wash said.

ALLEN PARK -- Kerby Joseph began his rookie season expecting to play exclusively on special teams. Joseph managed to do it by the end of his rookie season. Houston didn’t make his NFL debut until Thanksgiving, yet managed to finish second among all rookies in sacks (8.0) -- trailing only Hutchinson. It was that kind of season for the Lions’ draft class, which went on to set the NFL record for most sacks ever. It was the best defensive season by a Lions rookie since Ndamukong Suh, who was named rookie of the year in 2010.

The Detroit Lions turned their house of horrors into their kingdom as they eliminated Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers 20-16 at Lambeau Field.

The Detroit Lions wrapped up the 2022 schedule on Sunday night with a win vs. the Green Bay Packers, finishing the season with a winning record for the first time since 2017.

Aidan Hutchinson put the bow on an impressive rookie season for the Detroit Lions by sacking Aaron Rodgers twice and celebrating with a Lambeau leap. During a postgame interview with NBC’s Sunday Night Football crew, the rookie defensive end went into the stands for his leap into the faithful fans hanging around. Hutchinson initially declined the chants of “Lambeau leap!” from the Lions fans holding court, saying, “No, I can’t. And Hutchinson also strengthened his defensive rookie of the year case in Week 18. Most sportsbooks have had Hutchinson trailing Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner by a healthy amount in the race to win defensive rookie of the year.

After Aaron Rodgers took several shots at the Detroit Lions this season and refused to give them any respect, they went into his stadium, beat him for the third time in a row, and dealt a final blow to his playoff hopes.

GREEN BAY, Wis. -- Aidan Hutchinson is doing his best to keep this thing close. The defensive rookie of the year candidate is finishing off his first season in high style, racking up two huge sacks in the first half against Green Bay. Both came on third downs inside Detroit’s 25-yard line too, forcing Green Bay to settle for field goals. Hutchinson now has 9.5 sacks on the season, which wrestles the NFL rookie lead away from teammate James Houston (8.0). Lions rookies have accounted for 20.5 sacks overall, an NFL record since sacks became an official statistic in 1982.

What do the Lions need to happen to make the playoffs? A look at updated scenarios.

The Packers had a 3% win probability after 12 games. They need only beat the Lions to make the playoffs. But Detroit is no pushover. We preview the game.

That’s the only guy left who even knows what it’s like not to be a doormat, much less actually play in a playoff game. Not with a roster that features just 15 players who have ever appeared in a playoff game anywhere. And in his first quarter of his first playoff game, his only completion was a 3-yard screen to Todd Gurley. “The leadup to this game, there’s going more anticipation for it,” Goff said. For a team that has struggled to run the football throughout most of the second half of the season, Goff has kept this team afloat.

By all measures, he’s the defensive rookie of the year. Hutchinson even has three interceptions, which is not only an all-time NFL record for a rookie defensive lineman, but matches a league high by any lineman since 1990. The guy has played a staggering 909 defensive snaps this season, which not only leads all rookie defensive linemen, but it’s already the second-largest workload by a rookie defensive lineman ever. This is the second straight week Okudah was benched in favor of Hughes. Glenn, his staff, and the scouts all share in deserved praise for what’s turning out to be one of the best defensive rookie classes in the NFL.

Josh Paschal chipped in two sacks, becoming the Lions’ third rookie with a multi-sack game this season. Amon-Ra St. Brown became the youngest Lions receiver ever with a 100-catch season, just one week after he became the youngest Lions receiver ever with a 1,000-yard season. With that, these remarkable Detroit Lions pounded the Chicago Bears 41-10 for their seventh win in nine games, and will take their improbable playoff chase into a monumental finale against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. That team is screaming toward the finale too, and is guaranteed a playoff spot with a win against Detroit. The Lions have the youngest defense in the whole league, yet just held Justin Fields to 30 passing yards.

There’s one weekend left in the NFL season, and the Detroit Lions only need two things to happen in order to make the playoffs.

Aidan Hutchinson and James Houston were 1-2 among all rookies in sacks heading into the game. He’s been the best rookie pass rusher in the league, and is on the very short list for defensive rookie of the year heading into the finale. Paschal and Houston are the first pair of Lions rookies to each have multiple sacks in a single game. Three Lions rookies now have multi-sack games this season, which -- and you’re never going to believe this -- is also a franchise record. It’s really amazing to see.”All told, Lions rookies have accounted for 18.5 sacks this season.

The Lions dominated against Chicago. With one week left in the NFL season, Detroit is surging and has a very real shot to make the playoffs.

The Detroit Lions are on the brink of a playoff berth after Sunday's win over the Chicago Bears. All they gotta do now is beat the Green Bay Packers next week.

Jared Goff threw two of his three touchdown passes to Brock Wright in the first half, and the Detroit Lions beat the Chicago Bears 41-10 to remain in the playoff chase.

After pounding the Chicago Bears 41-10 on Sunday, these Detroit Lions have a chance to become the next to come back from the dead. Even if the Seahawks win that game, the Lions will still take their unlikely playoff bid to the final week of the season. No matter what happens around the league, the Lions are now headed for a do-or-die finale against the Packers in the frozen tundra at Lambeau Field. The Lions will roll into that game with one of the hottest quarterbacks in the league. D’Andre Swift chipped in two touchdowns and Jamaal Williams added another, running the Lions’ season total to 433 points.

DETROIT -- The Lions got better in the long run by trading T.J. Hockenson for draft picks at the deadline. Brock Wright caught two more touchdown passes on Sunday to help Detroit build a 24-7 halftime lead in a must-win game against the Chicago Bears. Tight ends have now accounted for 12 touchdown catches this season, breaking a franchise record that had stood since 2011. Shane Zylstra added three more scores the following week in Carolina, giving him four on the season as well. One of those sacks jarred the ball loose, which Aidan Hutchinson recovered -- and then Hutchinson added his third pick of the season to conclude the half.

DETROIT -- The field in Carolina was frozen so hard that it was like playing on concrete. But, I mean, it was very concrete-like for sure.”Hutchinson was among several players who complained to MLive of dangerous conditions on the artificial turf in Carolina. According to ESPN: “The NFLPA is filing a grievance against the NFL and Carolina for the hardness of the playing field in last Saturday’s Lions-Panthers game, per source. “I thought the field conditions were below NFL-level standard, specifically pregame,” quarterback Jared Goff said. And the field firmed up unlike anything Lions players have ever seen.

2022 is almost over and there is a lot to look back on in Michigan. And MLive photojournalists were there capture the many moments that defined Michigan throughout 2022. You can order prints of any of these snow photos by clicking the “Buy photo” button in the caption of every photo. (Cory Morse | MLive.com)Cory Morse | MLive.comGriz performs at Ranch Arena during the second day of Electric Forest Music Festival on Friday, June 24, 2022. at the Double JJ Resort in Rothbury, Michigan. (Jake May | MLive.com)Sigma Alpha Epsilon faces off against Alpha Epsilon Pi for the 88th Michigan Mud Bowl in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Detroit Lions could have climbed into the playoff field on Christmas Eve with a win in Carolina, plus losses by Seattle and Washington. The bottom line is the Lions remain alive, but almost certainly have to win out against Chicago and Green Bay to make the postseason. They also need two of the following three to happen: The Giants lose out, the Commanders go no better than 1-1, and/or the Seahawks go no better than 1-1. SEVENTH-SEED: COMMANDERS (7-7-1)Last five games: 2-2-1Remaining schedule: Browns (6-9), Cowboys (10-4)Playoff chances: 34%Outlook: The Commanders still occupy the final spot in the NFC playoff field. They control their destiny over Detroit and everyone else, but also look vulnerable if the Lions can win out.

ALLEN PARK -- In all the years they’ve been playing this game, 695 teams have qualified for the postseason. But just one -- the 1970 Cincinnati Bengals -- has ever lost six of their first seven games before punching their ticket to the playoffs. They also have the easiest remaining schedule of all the NFC wild-card contenders, closing out the season against three of the seven worst teams in the conference. They opened the season as the worst team in the league. They had the worst defense by nearly every major statistical measure, including yards, yards per play, points, passing yards per game, passer rating allowed, and well, you probably got the point by now.

ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions (7-7) are on the road for the holidays, with a chance to strengthen their playoff hopes against the Carolina Panthers (5-9) in Week 16. DJ Chark caught one ball on two targets for 18 yards last week, while Josh Reynolds and Jameson Williams were blanked. MATCHUPS TO WATCHLions C Frank Ragnow vs. Panthers DT Derrick BrownWe’re not getting cute this week. He’s allowed five sacks and 22 pressures across 825 snaps. So, (it) makes my life a lot easier.”2022 TEAM STATSDVOA overall ranking: Lions 9th | Panthers 28thDVOA offensive ranking: Lions 6th | Panthers 29thDVOA defensive ranking: Lions 23rd | Panthers 20thNet yards gained per passing attempt: Lions 6.9 (5th) | Panthers 5.8 (23rd)Rushing yards per attempt: Lions 4.4 (15th) | Panthers 4.4 (16th)Points per game: Lions 26.4 (4th) | Panthers 19.7 (30th)Points allowed per game: Lions 26 (31st) | Panthers 22.4 (16th)Net yards allowed per passing attempt: Lions 7.1 (31st) | Panthers 6.0 (12th)Rushing yards allowed per attempt: Lions 4.9 (26th) | Panthers 4.4 (18th)Takeaways: Lions 18 | Panthers 14SERIES HISTORYThe Panthers lead the all-time series 7-3, blanking the Lions 20-0 in the last meeting between these two back in 2020.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — It was two short years ago that Michigan football hit rock bottom as a program under Jim Harbaugh. “We weren’t thinking about no national championship.”In fact, players on the team now say, it was a very individually-focused roster. “We just had a lot of selfish players,” starting offensive lineman Trevor Keegan said. A loss to in-state rival Michigan State followed, prompting some to wonder how the Wolverines would rebound. Now, some 12 months later, Michigan finds itself in a stronger position — with its first-ever 13-0 record, No.

Detroit Lions prized rookie defender Aidan Hutchinson isn’t slowing down, with his second consecutive game as the team’s highest-graded defender from Pro Football Focus. Hutchinson helped fuel Detroit’s dominant run defense, which held the Jets to only 50 rushing yards on 22 attempts and a long of 6 yards in Week 15. Hutchinson finished with five tackles, including one for loss, while generating two pressures and four PFF run stops (“tackles that constitute a ‘failure’ for the offense”). The Lions hit Jets quarterback Zach Wilson 10 times, including six tackles for loss from the front seven. -- Evan Brown was back out there with the rest of the starting offensive line for all 68 snaps.

That includes star rookie pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson, who missed practice on Thursday, and running back/kick returner Justin Jackson, who was downgraded to questionable over the weekend. Defensive lineman Michael Brockers is the only player missing the game due to illness, and he was benched weeks ago anyway. The rest of the inactives: Guard Kayode Awosika (ankle), linebacker Derrick Barnes (knee), running back Craig Reynolds (knee), quarterback Josh Dobbs, guard Ross Pierschbascher and defensive lineman Austin Bryant. The same cannot be said of the New York Jets, who have scratched star defensive tackle Quinnen Williams because of a calf injury. New York is also playing without top quarterback Mike White, who was ruled out on Friday because of a rib injury.

The Detroit Lions (6-7) have won five of their last six games, with an opportunity to crawl even closer to a postseason berth against the New York Jets (7-6) in Week 15. This post will update with drive summaries, analysis, injury updates, photos, pregame updates and more. Hit refresh to keep up and follow MLive’s Detroit Lions reporters on Twitter -- @BenjaminSRaven and @kmeinke. Also, head over to MLive’s Facebook account after the game for an in-depth breakdown. Related headlines, latest podcast and team stats:Detroit Lions at New York Jets: 3 burning questions ahead of Week 15Lions list prized rookie Aidan Hutchinson as questionable to play against JetsDetroit Lions’ postseason dreams boosted by Seahawks loss: ‘That was nice’Detroit Lions vs. New York Jets: Fantasy guide and key matchups for Week 152022 TEAM STATSDVOA overall ranking: Lions 11th | Jets 9thDVOA offensive ranking: Lions 7th | Jets 19thDVOA defensive ranking: Lions 24th | Jets 6thNet yards gained per passing attempt: Lions 7.0 (4th) | Jets 5.7 (22nd)Rushing yards per attempt: Lions 4.5 (16th) | Jets 4.5 (15th)Points per game: Lions 26.8 (5th) | Jets 20.3 (22nd)Points allowed per game: Lions 26.7 (31st) | Jets 18.7 (6th)Net yards allowed per passing attempt: Lions 7.1 (30th) | Jets 4.1 (4th)Rushing yards allowed per attempt: Lions 5.0 (29th) | Jets 5.3 (4th)Takeaways: Lions 17 | Jets 15

ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions have listed prized rookie defensive end Aidan Hutchinson (illness) as questionable to play against the New York Jets in Week 15. Hutchinson, who leads all rookies with seven sacks and 39 pressures, was back at practice to end the week. He’s missed the last three games with an ankle injury. Related: Aidan Hutchinson returns to Detroit Lions practice after bout with illnessRelated: Detroit Lions’ postseason dreams boosted by Seahawks loss: ‘That was nice’The Lions ruled offensive guard Kayode Awosika (ankle) and linebacker Derrick Barnes (knee) out for Sunday’s game in New Jersey. Veteran defensive lineman Michael Brockers, who hasn’t played since Week 4, is doubtful with an ankle injury.

ALLEN PARK -- Detroit Lions prized rookie Aidan Hutchinson (illness) was back at Friday’s practice ahead of their Week 15 trip to face the New York Jets. Hutchinson is one of a handful of players who have missed practice with an illness through the past two weeks. Cornerback Jeff Okudah was limited in last week’s win against the Minnesota Vikings after missing two sessions while dealing with an illness.

But the job is far from done, and the margin for error is rail-thin heading into Sunday’s game against the New York Jets. Wilson was taken with the second overall pick in last year’s draft, then led the Jets to a 5-2 start this season. The move is no surprise to Detroit, which prepared all week like Wilson would start over White. We knew he was going to (dress for) the game anyway, so we figured they were going to play him. All the things we know here.”The Jets could also be without Quinnen Williams, their monster pass-rushing defensive tackle.

ALLEN PARK -- Playoff fever isn’t the only bug going around the Detroit Lions’ locker room. Star rookie pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson, cornerback Mike Hughes and defensive lineman Michael Brockers all missed practice on Thursday because of illness. That comes just one week after cornerback Jeff Okudah, receiver Kalif Raymond and backup quarterback Nate Sudfeld all missed multiple days of practice due to illness. Okudah played just 27 of the team’s 65 defensive snaps overall. Hutchinson also leads all rookie defensive linemen in snaps.

ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions canceled practice on Wednesday. A day later, a slew of guys were still not practicing as preparations heated up for Sunday’s game against the New York Jets, most notably Aidan Hutchinson. 2 overall pick has played fabulously this season, racking up seven sacks -- more than any other rookie in the league -- and winning NFL defensive rookie of the month for November. He’s on the shortlist for defensive rookie of the year heading into a matchup against Sauce Gardner, another favorite for the award. Now just three days before that game -- essentially a must-win game for Detroit’s playoff hopes -- Hutchinson is sidelined for an unknown reason.

Obviously, had his resume in college covering pretty good receivers, it was about as good as you can get. He now has 7.0 sacks overall, which is already fourth most by a Lions rookie since sacks became an official statistic. But here’s betting New York feels pretty good about its pick two spots later, too. “Yeah, he’s a good player,” Lions quarterback Jared Goff said. He’s long, he’s fast, he’s athletic, makes a lot of plays in transition.

Now they’ve become one of the talks of the league, and Dan Campbell too. Q: If the Lions manage to win out, is Dan Campbell coach of the year? If they win out, yeah, Campbell can start carving out a spot for the trophy on his mantle. That 2014 team was among the oldest in the league, and they didn’t do much to get younger the following offseason either. Q: Best Detroit Lions rookie factoring in production, playing time, and the relative position taken in the draft?

The Detroit Lions keep rolling as their offense exploded in the 34-23 victory against the NFC North-leading Minnesota Vikings, keeping their playoff hopes alive.

DETROIT -- Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson added another sack to his rookie-leading total (seven), drawing the top-graded game of his career from Pro Football Focus in Week 14. “Detroit feels it, they feel we’re coming along right now,” Hutchinson said after the game. The Lions held star Vikings running back Dalvin Cook to only 23 yards on 15 rush attempts. He was kept out of practice on Wednesday and Thursday, returning in a limited capacity to end the week. Stenberg was out there for all 70 offensive snaps with Taylor Decker, Penei Sewell, Jonah Jackson and Frank Ragnow.

The Lions defense was the NFL's worst early this season. It has stepped up in a big way recently and played a huge role in Detroit's win over the Vikings.

These are good days for the Detroit Lions’ long-lost pass rush -- and now they’re getting back their two-time sack leader too. Romeo Okwara has officially been cleared to suit up for the showdown against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday at Ford Field. They believed in Okwara, and wanted to build Detroit’s pass rush around him for the long term. Detroit is getting healthy for that push too, although did lose starting slot cornerback Will Harris to a mid-week hip injury. Mike Hughes is expected to replace Harris in the slot, while Jeff Okudah is active on the outside as expected.

ALLEN PARK -- The Lions allowed a league-worst 31.1 points in the first seven games of the season. It has been one of the most stunning turnarounds in the league this season, and it has helped save their season. Now he’s creeping into the conversation for defensive rookie of the year. Heck, Hutchinson has already played more snaps than any Lions defensive linemen all last year. Because he’s already logged more snaps than any Lions rookie defensive lineman since those statistics began being tracked online more than a decade ago, and there are still five games to go.

Defense and offensive weaponry proved to be too much for the Jacksonville Jaguars as the Detroit Lions had a convincing 40-14 victory, improving to 5-7 on the season, and are now just two games back in the loss column for the seventh and playoff spot.

They’re also finally getting healthy. When they continue their playoff push next week against the division-leading Minnesota Vikings, they should be even healthier yet with the anticipated return of pass rusher Romeo Okwara. “It’s very nice (to finally get healthy),” head coach Dan Campbell said after the 40-14 win against Jacksonville. Look man, I like this team.”The Lions have welcomed back players like receiver DJ Chark, receiver Josh Reynolds, receiver Jameson Williams, cornerback Jeff Okudah, guard Jonah Jackson and pass rusher Josh Paschal in recent weeks. But he went down before he really got going last year, rupturing his Achilles in a Week 4 game in Chicago.

DETROIT -- Are you ready to believe in the Detroit Lions? After the defense opened the game by forcing a fumble, St. Brown caught a sensational ball at the goal line. The pass was nearly picked off, but St. Brown got his hands on the carom, then somehow held on as he took a huge hit. On Sunday, he finally got on track with his best game in Detroit, catching five of his six targets for 98 yards. -- John Cominsky continues to be the best Lions player no one talks about.

ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions (4-7) and Jacksonville Jaguars (4-7) meet in an intriguing matchup featuring two rebuilding teams, not to mention the top two picks from this year’s draft in Aidan Hutchinson and Travon Walker. Here’s everything you need to know about the game from how to watch or listen, not to mention a recap of the week of news heading into Week 13:We’ve got a Detroit Lions newsletter! It’s totally free. We’ll email you your Detroit Lions news five days a week. Enter your email here:GAME INFORMATIONWho: Detroit Lions vs. Jacksonville JaguarsWhen: 1 p.m. SundayWhere: Ford Field, Detroit, MichiganHOW TO WATCH AND FOLLOWHOW TO LISTENIN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Travon Walker and Aidan Hutchinson will always be compared to one another.

ALLEN PARK -- A lot of people thought Aidan Hutchinson was going to be the No. “It was weird,” Hutchinson told MLive after practice on Thursday. Hutchinson opened the month by picking off Aaron Rodgers in the end zone, becoming the first Lions rookie lineman since Ndamukong Sugh to intercept a pass. Then he did it again two weeks later in New York, becoming the only Lions rookie ever to do it twice. And when they did, Hutchinson told general manager Brad Holmes how he really felt.

ALLEN PARK -- Lions pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson has been named NFL defensive rookie of the month. The former Michigan star was taken with the second overall pick, and after a mixed bag to start the season, caught on fire in November. He intercepted two passes in the month, a league high for a lineman, and both came in big moments. Hutchinson also recovered a fumble, giving him three takeaways in the month, and added one sack. With that, he has the first Lions player to be named defensive rookie of the month since Ndamukong Suh in 2010, and just the third ever.

ALLEN PARK -- It’s time again for Detroit Lions players and those around the NFL to feature favorite charities and causes on their cleats for Week 13 games. See below for a rundown of the causes and cleats Lions players will wear for this weekend’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Lions OL Kayode Awosika's cause is gun violence. Lions DL John Cominsky for Cominsky Family Foundation. DL John Cominsky (Cominsky Family Foundation): Cominsky and his wife, Brittany Cominsky, started their foundation to support the youth in the Barberton, Ohio area “with the goal of creating stronger futures for the next generation.” They have hosted backpack giveaways, football camps and food drives, among other fundraising efforts.

Aidan Hutchinson became the second Lions rookie in franchise history -- and of the season -- to win defensive player of the week honors. Lions rookie safety Kerby Joseph did so after intercepting Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers twice in the team’s Week 9 win. And Hutchinson becomes the third Lions player to win NFC player of the week honors, with second-year receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown achieving that in Week 2. Hutchinson became the first Lions defensive lineman to intercept a pass and recover a fumble in a game since 1993. It was Hutchinson’s second interception of the season.The prized rookie defensive lineman has continued to make plays in coverage, highlighting his instinctual play from the two-point stance.

The Detroit Lions went to MetLife Stadium and stunned the New York Giants 31-18 for their third win in a row, thanks to their young defense and wily veteran Jamaal Williams, who had a historic day.

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- At 7:45 a.m. Sunday morning, Detroit Lions defensive tackle Alim McNeill woke up in his luxury bed in a nearby Jersey City hotel. The Lions (4-6) ran away from the New York Giants 31-18 on Sunday at MetLife Stadium, their third win in a row. And just like every other game during this midseason surge, it was the defense that helped them pull away. -- just bombarded the Giants with 10 pressures, the most ever by a man that size in the analytics era. Three weeks later, they still haven’t lost again -- and the rise of the defense has been the biggest reason for it.

When the Lions started the season 1-6, the only rankings fans were thinking about was the NFL draft order for next spring.

That’s three straight wins overall, from a team that hadn’t been on a winning streak of any kind in two years, and on a winning streak of this size since 2017. Detroit is now 4-6 on the season, and has surged into second place in the NFC North heading into Thanksgiving. Williams added another touchdown run with just seconds left in the half, then added another to open the third quarter. Now the defense is rolling, the offense is running, and this team -- three weeks in a row -- is winning. One week after Kennedy made a huge 44-yard catch on third-and-long to help set up Jamaal Williams’ game-winning touchdown run, Kennedy made a huge 13-yard catch on third-and-long to help set up Williams’ touchdown run to open the second half.

Two weeks ago, the Detroit Lions pass rusher joined Ndamukong Suh as the club’s only rookie linemen to ever pick off a pass. Hutchinson’s two picks match the NFL record for a rookie defensive lineman, and this one -- like the last one -- was big too. He returned the ball 20 yards, giving Detroit possession at New York’s 18-yard line. Williams added another touchdown plunge on fourth down in the final minute of the first half, giving Detroit a commanding 17-6 lead heading into halftime -- a remarkable feat considering the cold temperatures and windy conditions that have slowed both offenses. Don’t look now, but the Lions are 30 minutes from their first three-game winning streak since 2017 -- and second place in the NFC North.

And he’s been a lot more productive than Kayvon Thibodeaux, the other edge rusher under serious consideration for that pick. And one of the things that we appreciate about him, not only is he growing, but he is an asset in the run game and the pass game. Then Hutchinson stepped in front of Fields’ throwing lane on a screen pass, and Fields instead threw the ball up for grabs downfield. “Look, I’ve told you guys all season I’m making strides every single game,” Hutchinson said. “I’m happy with how I’m playing, I’m happy with how I’m improving, and just moving forward.”

The Detroit Lions stormed back from a double-digit fourth-quarter deficit to defeat the Chicago Bears 31-30 for their second win in a row while snapping a 13-game road losing streak under head coach Dan Campbell.

Grade: B-Wide receivers: The Lions made it a point to feed Amon-Ra St. Brown early and often in Chicago. St. Brown secured 10 of 11 looks for 119 yards, adding one rush for 2 yards to move the chains. St. Brown showed his superior route-running ability on third-and-9 in the first half when he ran a delayed looping slant. St. Brown is now in the top 10 all-time, with 139 catches through his first 25 games. But feeding St. Brown and getting creative with the rushing game took the pressure off that short-handed passing attack.

CHICAGO -- Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields has run for 325 yards in two weeks, but his team has gone winless during that stretch after crumbling to the Detroit Lions in Week 10. But the Lions recovered, forcing a pick-six interception by cornerback Jeff Okudah with an assist from prized rookie Aidan Hutchinson. The Lions scored down the stretch, then got one more stop to put the game away with Julian Okwara’s second sack of the day. Related: Instant observations: Lions win second game in row, snap NFL-worst road skidRelated: What’s being said nationally after Lions score 21 points in 10 minutes to beat BearsSee below for MLive Detroit Lions beat writer Ben Raven’s video breakdown and more headlines after the team’s second consecutive win. This week’s video had some interruptions and mid-talk moves, so bear with us.

The Detroit Lions and their last-ranked defense in terms of points and yards allowed in the NFL picked off future hall-of-fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers three times to defeat the Green Bay Packers 15-9 at Ford Field.

Aaron Rodgers matched a career high with three interceptions and threw an incomplete pass on fourth down from the Detroit 17 in the final minute, letting the Detroit Lions hold on for a 15-9 win over the Packers in a matchup of slumping teams on Sunday.

The Detroit Lions continued their losing ways as they fell to the Dallas Cowboys 24-6 in a week seven matchup that was very winnable.

Ezekiel Elliott ran for two 1-yard touchdowns and Dak Prescott threw for a score in his return from injury while the Dallas Cowboys leaned on their defense again in a 24-6 victory over the Detroit Lions.

The Detroit Lions had too many errors and not enough big plays in a mostly closely-fought game vs. the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday.

Three key takeaways from the state’s football scene

The Detroit Lions got historical contributions from Aidan Hutchinson and Amon-Ra St. Brown to overcome a second-half surge by the Washington Commanders for a 36-27 victory to improve to 1-1 on the season.

The Lions won their first game of the year on Sunday, and we learned a lot about this growing team.

The Detroit Lions got their first win of the season on Sunday vs. the Washington Commanders at Ford Field, controlling most of the game from start to finish.

The Detroit Lions began their 2021 season by rallying to turn a potential blowout into a close loss to the San Francisco 49ers.

It’s game week for the reigning Big Ten champions, and the Michigan Wolverines are coming into the 2022 season hungry for more. They’re looking to build on the structure set at the end of last season.

Although this year seems like the Lions may be in a different stratosphere as an organization, after blowing week one of the NFL preseason to the Atlanta Falcons, they seem like they’re the same old Lions.

Jim Harbaugh’s eighth team is his first at Michigan that is coming off a win over Ohio State.

Rookie quarterback Desmond Ridder threw a 21-yard touchdown pass to Jared Bernhardt with 1:30 left to give the Atlanta Falcons a 27-23 win over the Detroit Lions on Friday.

Aidan Hutchinson brought down the house during the first episode of HBO's "Hard Knocks" on Tuesday.

Episode one of HBO’s Hard Knocks featuring the Detroit Lions aired Tuesday night, and it taught us a lot about our football team and the direction it’s going in.

Detroit has been buzzing about the Lions being on Hard Knocks for weeks, and the first taste of the series absolutely did not disappoint.

Is it just me, or is there a sense of optimism among Detroit Lions fans heading into this season?

The city of Detroit is buzzing about the upcoming Detroit Lions footage on Hard Knocks, as more than 18,000 fans filled Ford Field for Family Fest last Saturday.

Detroit Lions rookie Aidan Hutchinson has been getting his work done on the field and quietly has been handling his business off it.

Under a previous head coach and front office, Detroit drafted Will Harris in 2019 to play safety.

A Plymouth native has been crowned as Miss Michigan and will move on to represent Michiganders at Miss USA 2022.

The Detroit Lions signed defensive end Aidan Hutchinson to a $35.7 million, four-year contract with a team option for a fifth season on Friday.

The Detroit Lions have signed first-round pick Aidan Hutchinson to a four-year deal worth more than $35 million.

The Detroit Lions continued to make big investments on defense in the NFL draft and are hoping that they result in immediate rewards to a franchise that has struggled in recent seasons.

Both of the Detroit Lions’ first-round picks in the 2022 draft are set to speak Friday for the first time since they were selected.

In an NFL draft focused early on stoppers, it was the goers — wide receivers — who stole the spotlight Thursday night.

Five defensive players were taken in the first five picks of the NFL Draft, including three pass rushers, starting with Georgia's Travon Walker to Jacksonville first overall.

The Detroit Lions selected Michigan defensive end Aidan Hutchinson with the No. 2 pick in the NFL draft, addressing a desperate need with a hometown star.

The Detroit Lions have selected Michigan football star Aidan Hutchinson with the No. 2 overall pick in the first round of the NFL draft.

Community forum for the Detroit Lions 2022 NFL Draft.

The 2022 NFL draft is finally upon us.

Very little is certain heading into an NFL draft.

The Detroit Lions have been so bad in recent years, winning an average of four games since 2018, that they desperately need an influx of talent at a lot of positions on both sides of the ball.

Jacksonville is expected to select Hutchinson, who appears to be the total package as a player and person, with the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft next Thursday.

Michigan Wolverines defensive end Aidan Hutchinson is one week away from fulfilling his childhood dream of becoming an NFL player during the draft, but he will be taking the mound first.