Guess Who’s Back? Hutchinson Climbs the Mountain, Plants His Flag on Top

All is right in the world, Lions fans. Detroit’s defensive powerhouse, Aidan Hutchinson, has reclaimed his throne atop the pass-rusher rankings. Pro Football Focus released its Week 7 list, and Hutchinson sits No. 1 with a 93.1 PFF grade, 36 total pressures, and a 25.4% pass-rush win rate.

“After a slow start to the season by his standards (two pressures), Hutchinson has been the league’s most productive pass rusher, generating 34 pressures and six sacks over the past five games,” writes PFF’s Ryan Smith.


A Comeback for the Ages

If Week 1 had you worried, don’t sweat it. Hutchinson took a little time to warm up but has since been unstoppable:

  • Week 3: 74.9 grade, ranked 21st
  • Week 4: 82.9 grade, ranked 17th
  • Week 5: 92.1 grade, ranked 4th
  • Week 6: 92.2 grade, ranked 2nd
  • Week 7: 93.1 grade, ranked 1st

Hutchinson isn’t just climbing; he’s sprinting up the mountain.


From Record-Breaker to Redemption

Last season, Hutchinson was on a record pace with 72 pass-rush wins over the first six weeks, the most by any defensive player in the PFF era. Then came the heartbreak: a fractured tibia and fibula that sidelined him for the rest of the season.

Now, fully healthy, Hutchinson is back, shining after another strong game in Kansas City. The former No. 2 overall pick out of Michigan also ranks fourth in the NFL in pass-rush win rate and is already on the short list for Defensive Player of the Year.

“Hutchinson is back on top of the rankings… after yet another strong game in Kansas City,” Smith writes.


Hutchinson’s Energy is Contagious

It’s not just stats that have fans buzzing. Hutch’s energy is electric. Social media is alive with videos of Lions players chanting in front of an actual lion — yes, a real lion — and Hutch is clearly pumped. Even Lions legend Lomas Brown showed up on Good Morning Football to teach Florida-born rookies how to survive the NFC North cold. 🥶

Meanwhile, Roary celebrated Indigenous Peoples’ Day with a Pow Wow, and Amon-Ra St. Brown attended his first Red Wings game. Detroit is alive with stories beyond the field, and Hutchinson’s return to dominance is the cherry on top.


Why It Matters

Hutchinson’s presence on the field changes the game. His pressure forces quarterbacks to rush, offensive lines to adjust, and defenses to rally around him. He’s not just a pass rusher; he’s the engine driving the Lions’ resurgence.

For fans, it’s simple: Hutch is back, and the Lions are better for it. From a slow start to topping the charts, Hutchinson’s season is a story of resilience, talent, and pure determination.


Looking Ahead

Week 7 and beyond will test Hutch and Detroit’s defense, but if the past few weeks are any indication, Hutchinson is ready to keep climbing. The mountain’s peak is his now, and the view from the top looks spectacular.

 

By Sunday

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