Aidan Hutchinson proves he’s already back to being a Lions difference-maker

The Detroit Lions missed Aidan Hutchinson big during the 2024 season. Need more proof? Through the last three weeks, Detroit has been more dangerous rushing the passer than down the stretch last season.

Hutchinson's healthy return has been a big reason why. After knocking rust off in a tough Week 1 performance against the Green Bay Packers, the stud edge is rolling. He has put up four sacks in the last three weeks and once again is a game breaker.

Sunday against the Cleveland Browns, Hutchinson was a force. He put up four tackles, two sacks, two tackles for loss and had one forced fumble. Additionally, he had four quarterback hits, rattling Joe Flacco. It was enough to earn him a game ball.

Funny enough, all Hutchinson could focus on afterward was the strip he had taken away rather than the plays he did make. Two forced fumbles in two weeks is big production, and it's something that is emphasized in practice.

"I wish I had that second one. But it's fun. It's always good when you're getting the ball out. That's what you want in a defense. I feel like since I've gotten in the NFL, it's a big emphasis in practice. Whenever you're running by that quarterback, you're throwing a swipe in. Not like you're hitting it, but it's a mental thing."

While the focus was on the electric plays Hutchinson made, a more subtle part of his game shone with his ability to be stout and dependable against the run.

"it's just how we do it. Here in Detroit, we put a big emphasis on stop the run and earn your right to rush the passer. That's kind of the philosophy. (We) had a lot of opportunities, too. Missed a couple tackles, but I think overall we did pretty good against the run."

No matter whether he was rushing the passer or stopping the run, Hutchinson was more than effective. He has shown that he has MVP capabilities if he stays healthy. The good news? He looked very durable on Sunday.

Hutchinson survives another injury scare to make a huge impact

After what played out last season, it's tough to blame Lions fans who might hold their breath whenever Hutchinson hits the turf. That happened a few times against Cleveland, most notably late in the first half.

Hutchinson took a shot to the chest that briefly knocked him to the ground. For those split seconds, there was panic in the Motor City as he writhed in pain. Luckily, it wasn't a serious injury, but rather a routine incident on a football field, and nothing that will carry over into future weeks.

"I just got the wind knocked out of me. I was trying to get up because I didn't want people to start having flashbacks or anything. I just couldn't even breathe out there. I was like '(Gasp), get up, Aidan. Get up.' And I couldn't get up. I was like, 'Just give me 30 seconds and I'll be good.' Then I got up and was good."

Fortunately, Hutchinson was more than good against Cleveland. His effort was perhaps the biggest reason Detroit's defense was able to help the team stack a third-straight win.