Detroit Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson had a successful sophomore campaign, following up a stellar rookie season with 11.5 sacks and being part of a team that played in the NFC Championship Game.
Despite the team winning 12 games in the regular season and winning the NFC North for the first time in three decades, the former No. 2 overall draft pick dealt with adversity, as many sounded the alarms when a sack drought in the middle of the season became a topic of conversation.
“I think the whole year was a year of growth. I think there was definitely some adversity as a team, adversity individually. And it caused me to just try to learn as fast as I can,” said Hutchinson , via team reporter Dannie Rogers . “I really enjoy this process, though, and that’s what it’s all about. I feel like I took so many strides this year, and I’m just looking for, I think there’s still so many levels to unlock.”
The team not losing back-to-back games all season proved the young roster could handle their fair share of adversity, overcoming negative narratives following challenges losses to the Seahawks and Ravens.