Copyright M Live Michigan
LANDOVER, Md. – Under the current regime, the Detroit Lions have built a culture centered around grit and winning — something defensive end Aidan Hutchinson was happy to see the team get back to on Sunday. The star pass rusher didn’t register a tackle or sack — the first time he’s gone without either since their season-opening loss to the Green Bay Packers — but he did finish with two pressures, according to TruMedia, during Detroit’s 44-22 victory over the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium. “I think collectively in all three phases — we were flowing in sync, back to who we are,” Hutchinson told reporters after the game. The 27-24 loss to the Minnesota Vikings last week left a bad taste in the mouths of several Lions players, including Hutchinson, who spoke candidly about it in the days leading up to this game. With their eyes set on Washington all week, the Lions focused less on avenging last season’s divisional-round loss and more on getting back to winning football. Since Week 8 of the 2022 season, the Lions have not lost back-to-back games, and they’re an impressive 10-0 in that regard since the start of the 2023 season. When asked if coaches challenged them to bounce back this week, Hutchinson alluded to it being business as usual. “I think every week we’re challenged, win or loss,” Hutchinson said. “Obviously, coming off a loss, you know, you’ve got to get that win. But every week in the NFL is a challenge, and you’ve got to get after ’em.” The Lions’ defense, led by coordinator Kelvin Sheppard, played yet another dominant game, holding the Commanders’ offense to three points over their first three drives. Washington didn’t find the end zone until 3:39 remained before halftime, when running back Chris Rodriguez punched in a one-yard run to make it 22-10 in favor of the Lions. The Commanders, who scored three touchdowns total, found the end zone again with 7:05 left in the third quarter. Marcus Mariota, starting in place of injured Jayden Daniels (elbow), connected with receiver Deebo Samuel on a four-yard touchdown pass to cut it to 32-16. Their final score came with the game essentially out of reach, as Mariota found Ben Sinnott on a four-yard pass to make it 41-22. Detroit held Washington to 288 total yards, as Mariota went 16-of-22 for 213 yards and two touchdowns. Washington rushed 27 times for 93 yards and a score between Mariota, Rodriguez, Jeremy Nichols and Jacory Croskey-Merritt, and went just 2-for-10 on third down. The Lions also managed to sack Mariota twice thanks to safety Brian Branch and defensive lineman Roy Lopez. “It’s huge, monumental,” Hutchinson said about the defense’s performance. “We really played really well today defensively, with everybody together, and I’m happy. But we got Philly next week, so we’ll be looking at that.”
