The Detroit Lions’ 2024 season took a massive hit when star pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson suffered a broken tibia and fibula against the Dallas Cowboys. Before his injury, Hutchinson was on track for a potential Defensive Player of the Year campaign.
This offseason, the former Michigan standout has impressed coaches and fans alike with his determined recovery as he aims to return to regular-season action stronger than ever.
On Wednesday, Lions beat writer Tim Twentyman shared a striking advanced stat showing just how valuable Hutchinson — and the Lions’ pass rush — truly are. According to Twentyman, when opposing offenses took a sack on a drive last season, they scored a touchdown only 8.2% of the time. The chance of scoring any points — a touchdown or field goal — dropped to just 26.2%.
“Sacks equate to drive killers,” Twentyman wrote on X. “That’s one big growth opportunity for the #Lions in 2025.”
Hutchinson’s 7.5 sacks in just five games last year kept him near the NFL’s top pass rushers for weeks after his injury. His absence left a major hole in the Lions’ defense, underscoring how essential sacks are to stopping opponents and flipping momentum.
As Hutchinson prepares for his return, he’ll join a revamped defensive line featuring rookie Tyleik Williams from Ohio State. Williams’ explosive ability from the interior promises to complement Hutchinson and make life difficult for quarterbacks and running backs alike.
If Hutchinson can stay healthy, he has a strong chance to surpass his impressive 2024 pace — giving the Lions a powerful weapon in their quest to take the next step this season.
Hutchinson’s Sack Power: Stunning Stat Shows How Lions Drive Success Hinges on Pass Rush
