Copyright WDIV ClickOnDetroit
ALLEN PARK, Mich. – Detroit Lions star defensive end Aidan Hutchinson expressed confidence that the team will bounce back from the loss against the Minnesota Vikings, saying, “Yeah, you know, I think that loss is going to be good for us in the long run, kind of like I said after the game.” Hutchinson added that the Lions have a strong challenge ahead. “We have a great test this week. Get to go and play the Commanders.” Hutchinson emphasized the team’s focus and awareness of the season’s stakes. “We have a great test this week. Get to go and play the Commanders. So, our focus is at an all-time high, and we understand where we’re at in the season and what we got to do. So, that’s the goal,” Hutchinson said. The last time the Lions lost consecutive games was in October of 2022, when they lost five straight games in the regular season. Hutchinson acknowledged the frustration of missed opportunities in the recent game against the Minnesota Vikings. “It was just not a lot of flow in that game, I feel like, in all three phases, and something that we got to do a better job. When the flow doesn’t seem to be there, we got to find a way to win those games. We almost did if we had gotten that stop on that third down. We could have given our offense a chance to tie it or win it. So yeah, we just got to be better in the games where we’re not playing our best to find a way to win,” Hutchinson said. Reflecting on last year’s playoff loss to the Commanders, Hutchinson said, “It just sucks to lose, especially in the playoffs. So, it just sucks.” Though he wasn’t in the playoff game against the Commanders last year, Hutchinson sees motivation in that loss. “Any good team will use anything they can for motivation. Some guys weren’t here for that, but Dan (Campbell) is using it for motivation, and that’s what we’re looking at. But again, this is a new year, and we understand the task at hand. So, we’re just going to prepare the best we can and give it everything we got on Sunday,” Hutchinson said. Hutchinson also spoke about the team’s winning culture and preparation after a loss. “I just feel like we have a winning culture here, and when the losses happen, we know it can’t happen twice in a row. That’s a credit to this coaching staff and the guys on this team. We got to go out and execute,” Hutchinson said. On the Commanders’ quarterback change from Jayden Daniels to Marcus Mariota, Hutchinson said, “They’re both fast quarterbacks, so not too different. Mariota is a great player, so we’re going to prepare this week. Got off to a good start today. I’m feeling really confident in the plan, and we’re going to go out there and do our thing.” Hutchinson shared a lighter moment talking about Halloween in the neighborhood. “It was a lot. It was really insane. It’s still crazy to see that stuff. Every year it kind of upticks a little bit more. It’s a blessing. My kids’ school parade was 97, 416 the whole way. It’s good for Michigan,” Hutchinson said. Hutchinson noted the growing support for the Lions. “When I grew up, there weren’t a ton of people wearing Lions uniforms because of, you know, how it was. So, it’s cool to see everybody embracing the team. We just got to keep proving them right.” On what makes a good Hutchinson costume for kids, Hutchinson said, “The study guide eyeblack is a must. You got the jersey, some people have the helmet, and the pants with the thigh pads. I think someone’s got to wear an arm sleeve. Some gloves. I’m pretty basic with my attire. I don’t have too much spiciness.” Hutchinson recalled his first preseason game against Mariota. “It was looking to get my first ever, well, it wasn’t my official tackle, but they ran like a boot or something on play one of my first preseason game, and I pushed him out of bounds for a couple of yards. That was pretty iconic. Even though it didn’t count, that was my first action in the NFL,” Hutchinson said. Hutchinson spoke about teammate Josh Paschal‘s return. “Josh, it’s been a long time coming, but I know he’s excited to get back. He’s one of my really good friends. To see him back in practice, doing what he loves, it’s great. I hope he has all the success this year.” Look for the Lions to get back on track against a banged-up Washington team, which is expected to be without Daniels and wide receiver Terry McLaurin. Kickoff is slated for 4:25 p.m.
