By Blessing 
Aidan Hutchinson Credits Lions’ Winning Culture for Their Resilience
Aidan Hutchinson has experienced plenty in his four seasons with the Detroit Lions, and one thing that continues to stand out is how this team bounces back after a tough loss.
Since Week 8 of the 2022 season, Detroit has managed to avoid consecutive defeats — a streak once again under threat as they prepare for a Week 10 road test against the Washington Commanders.
When asked what drives their ability to respond after a setback, Hutchinson paused for a moment before giving his take.
“I’m not even sure,” Hutchinson admitted. “I just feel like we have a winning culture here, and when losses happen, we know it can’t happen twice in a row. It’s a credit to this coaching staff and the guys on this team. We know the Commanders are going to be rolling, so we’ve got to go out there and execute.”
The defensive star believes that Sunday’s 27–24 loss to the Minnesota Vikings could serve as a valuable lesson — one that sharpens their focus as the Lions enter a crucial stretch of the season with Super Bowl ambitions still alive.
After the game, head coach Dan Campbell accepted responsibility for his team’s sluggish start, saying they appeared rusty and unprepared in a key divisional battle. Hutchinson shared his coach’s frustration and echoed his honest assessment.
“There was not a lot of flow in that game, I feel like, in all three phases,” Hutchinson said. “It’s something we’ve got to do a better job at. When the flow doesn’t seem to be there, we’ve got to find a way to win those games — and we almost did.
“If we had gotten that stop on that third down, we could’ve given our offense a chance to tie it or win it. So yeah, we just have to be better in the games where we’re not playing our best and find a way to win.”
That crucial play Hutchinson referenced came late in the fourth quarter with just 1:41 remaining. Facing a 3rd-and-5 on their own 28-yard line, the Vikings — clinging to a three-point lead — sealed the win when quarterback J.J. McCarthy, a former Michigan standout, hit receiver Jalen Nailor, a Michigan State alum, for a 16-yard gain that effectively ended the game.
Now, Detroit’s focus shifts to Washington, where the Lions hope to avenge last season’s postseason loss to the Commanders. Although the rosters have changed since then, Hutchinson acknowledged that the memory of that defeat still fuels their preparation.
“Absolutely. I think any good team will use anything they can for motivation,” he said. “Some guys weren’t here for that, but Dan is using it for motivation, and that’s how we’re looking at it.
“But again, this is a new year and we understand the task at hand, so we’re just going to prepare the best we can and give it everything we’ve got.”