Throughout the 2023 season, Aidan Hutchinson has consistently been the most productive member of the Lions’ defense.
When he’s going and getting into opponents’ backfields with regularity, the defense has been a much more high-functioning unit.
Luckily for Detroit’s sake, the second-year EDGE has been on a “heater” down the stretch this season.
In his last four games (counting the Lions’ two postseason contests), the Michigan product has amassed a combined eight sacks, 18 quarterback hits and 31 pressures. And, for his efforts, he’s earned a 91.9 pass-rush grade from Pro Football Focus , the highest pass-rush mark among all defenders the last four games.
He’s certainly amplified his production as the Lions have needed it, and in doing so, has validated his status as one of the top pass-rushers in the game today.
Going into Detroit’s NFC Championship Game matchup with San Francisco Sunday, it’s expected that he’ll go head-to-head with 49ers right tackle Colton McKivitz .