Dan Campbell on Lions Pass-Rush Speed: Hutchinson Is The Engine

Detroit Lions head coach discusses important of speed in pass-rush efforts of the defense.

New Orleans Saints defensive end Payton Turner (98) reacts after receiving a penalty during the third quarter | Scott Kinser-Imagn Images

The Detroit Lions ranked in the lower third of the league in average time to pressure last season.

Head coach Dan Campbell was asked by Fox 2 Detroit about the importance of a consistent pass-rush that is also able to get to the quarterback quickly.

“That’s always gonna be the key. The quicker that we can get there and at least create a pressure where the quarterback has to move, has to make an off-balance throw, that tenth of a second makes all the difference in the world," said Campbell. "Muhammad did a good job for us last year opposite of Hutch."

The former NFL tight end expressed that players who line up opposite of Aidan Hutchinson will have the benefit of less attention on their side of the field, giving them an opportunity to win one-on-one battles.

"Whoever is opposite of Hutch, they have the opportunity to benefit and make the most of it, and Muhammad did that. We feel like Wonnum can do that, we’re hoping (Payton) Turner’s got something there," said Campbell. "But yeah, Hutch is really kind of the engine on that front. That’s kind of where it starts.” 

In free agency, Detroit was able to add Payton Turner and D.J. Wonnum to replace Muhammad, who departed in free agency to sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

"I'm excited. I watch a lot of his tape," Wonnum said about Hutchinson, when he met with local reporters for the first time via a videoconference. "That guy is relentless, man. He does everything. He gets after the passer, he makes plays in the run in the backfield.

"I feel like my game is kind of similar because I'm able to rush, very physical on the edge, not many people running that way, and I'm also able to drop in coverage and make plays," Wonnum added. "I make plays all over the field. I feel like we'll be able to complement each other."

Hutchinson is coming off of another stellar season in which he recorded 14.5 sacks.

Wonnum has started 54 games and has recorded 193 quarterback pressures, 30 sacks, four forced fumbles and 250 tackles.

The 28-year-old inked a one-year deal in free agency, after a stint with the Carolina Panthers.

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