'Fired Up' Hutchinson Aims to Break Cowboys’ Home Win Streak
The Detroit Lions have an opportunity to do something no team has done since the 2022 season opener.
Since that game on Sept. 11, 2022, the Dallas Cowboys have gone unbeaten at home. Led by quarterback Dak Prescott, they've won 15 straight home games at AT&T Stadium, including all seven this season.
Prescott, in particular, has played very well in the friendly confines of his home stadium. He's thrown for 2,125 yards, 20 touchdowns and two interceptions in home games this season.
As intimidating as it may seem, the Lions have their sights set on snapping the streak. Defensive end Aidan Hutchinson admitted that there's an extra surge of emotion on account of the potential to hand the Cowboys their first home loss in over a year.
"Yeah, I mean, obviously, everyone knows the stat with Dallas at home. But, that gets, at least me, that gets me fired up, because you want to be the one to take them down," Hutchinson said. "You want to be the one to end their home streak and stuff like that. They've got a lot of great players, Dak's been playing great ball. We'll be better."
The Lions were one of the teams to fall victim to the Cowboys last season. Dan Campbell's squad was defeated in Arlington, Texas, 24-6, in Week 7 of the 2022 season.
Both teams look different than they did in that matchup. The Lions lost top wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown early in that game, while the Cowboys feature a new-look run game, headlined by last year's backup, Tony Pollard.
"Similar scheme, I feel like," Hutchinson said. "Just plugging in a different guy with Pollard. He played a lot last year, too. He's a great player as well, so I don't think it's too much different."
Lions have sights on 'bigger things'
The Lions brought a great deal of satisfaction to their fanbase by delivering the first division title to the Motor City in 30 years. However, the team has been adamant that it is continuing to play for greater achievements.
Hutchinson, in particular, celebrated Sunday's win, but soon refocused on the team's bigger goals.
"I feel like, myself, I don't know. It was a cool thing, but I have my sights set on a lot bigger things," Hutchinson explained. "So, it was cool, we were all dancing around. But, after about 10 minutes, I was like, 'Alright, time to get ready for the playoffs and get ready for this.' You want to go to the Super Bowl, it's like, so many bigger things. You can win the division, and then at the end of the year, lose in the playoffs. And, it's like, at least we won the division, but that's not the mentality that I want."
Avoiding complacency has been a common theme amongst Lions players and coaches throughout the week. This mindset has been the product of everyone in the organization remaining steadfast on its common goal.
"Yeah, I feel like that's just the kind of personalities that Dan and Brad and Rod and all those guys brought into this team," Hutchinson said. "Just that constant pursuit of something greater, and that's kind of the name of the game. I just don't want to look back at this year and say, 'I'm happy we won the division.' I want more."
