'Constant Pressure': How Aidan Hutchinson Can Still Improve
This weekend, the No. 1 and No. 2 overall picks in the 2022 NFL Draft will step foot on the same field and attempt to aid their respective defenses.
Rookie Travon Walker has recorded 2.5 sacks and one interception for the 4-7 Jaguars, which make their way to Ford Field this weekend, after defeating the Baltimore Ravens in Week 12.
For Aidan Hutchinson, his rookie season will certainly go down as quite successful for his hometown team.
Through 11 games, Detroit's top draft pick this year has secured 5.5 sacks and two interceptions, which has placed him in the conversation to win the league's Defensive Rookie of the Year honors.
Despite individual accomplishments, Hutchinson remains focused on improving and playing at a level that will aid the Lions in securing more victories in 2022.
"Probably the best thing about Hutch, like we said, he's a good football player -- but he's a really good human being. I think he's more worried about us winning games and doing what he can to help us win games," Lions defensive line coach Todd Wash told reporters Wednesday. "I think if he ends up winning the Rookie of the Year, it's just some icing on the cake for him. But, that's the last thing in his mind."
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Over the final stretch of games, Detroit's coaching staff expressed Hutchinson will likely remain on the left side of the defensive line, with an emphasis on finishing plays and being a "constant" force that is disruptive to opposing quarterbacks.
"Continue to develop as a pass rusher. We're keeping him on the left side for the most part, and I think he likes that," Wash explained. "You know, but just constant pressure is what we're kind of looking for. And, that's our expectations, and that's his expectations.
"He missed a couple again last week, so that's the biggest thing. I think he's really improved," Wash continued. "When we looked at the tape last week, he has really improved on setting the edge and staying square. Our EDGEs are getting set, and he really took a lot of pride in that. .... He's staying square and doing a really nice job in the run game. But, we want to see consistent pressure. It's not just for him. That's for the rest of our guys. We've got some guys that can rush the passer. We just got to finish."
Practice report
Returning from Thanksgiving break, the Lions took to the practice field for the first time, ahead of their Week 13 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Offensive lineman Penei Sewell was spotted running on the sideline with a team trainer.
Those not spotted at the portion of practice open to the media include center Evan Brown and defensive back Ifeatu Melifonwu.
Both Jonah Jackson and Jeff Okudah were both wearing red no-contact jerseys, as they both work to get cleared from the league's new concussion protocols.
