Aidan Hutchinson Leads NFL in Pressures After Week 1

Former Michigan football player Aidan Hutchinson has been among the best defensive ends in the NFL since the Detroit Lions selected him at No. 2 overall in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Hutchinson’s strong play continued in Week 1 of the 2024 season, as Detroit beat the Rams 26-20 in overtime. The former Heisman Trophy finalist recorded five total tackles, three solo tackles, one tackle for loss, 1.0 sacks, and four quarterback hits.

He tied with Cowboys superstar linebacker Micah Parsons for the most pressures in the league, recording 11 total.

Aidan Hutchinson and Micah Parsons are tied for the most QB pressures in the NFL after Week 1, per PFF.

Both got after the quarterback 11 times. pic.twitter.com/wkUWyBHUWZ

— Clayton Sayfie (@CSayf23) September 10, 2024

Hutch recorded the highest PFF grade, 94.0, of any member of the Lions. Detroit’s defense will look to take the next step forward in 2024, and the hometown kid from Dearborn will play a massive role in their efforts.

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Can Aidan Hutchinson Win Defensive Player of the Year?

After finishing as the Heisman Trophy runner-up in his final season with the Wolverines, Hutchinson’s success continued in the NFL. In his rookie season, he put up ridiculous numbers that resulted in 52 total tackles, 34 solo tackles, nine tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, 15 quarterback hits, three interceptions, and recovered two fumbles. in runner-up for the Defensive Rookie of the Year award.

Hutchinson did not suffer from a sophomore slump in 2023, earning his first Pro Bowl nomination. He finished with 51 total tackles, 36 solo tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks, 33 quarterback hits, one interception, two fumble recoveries and seven passes defended. After a big Week 1, he appears in line for a big third year in the NFL.

Entering Week 2, the Lions pass rusher is tied with Raiders star defensive end Maxx Crosby for the fourth-best odds (+1100) to win Defensive Player of the Year. His odds trail only Steelers edge defender T.J. Watt (+420), Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons (+460), and Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (+800). All five players recorded one sack in Week 1.

➡️ MORE: Michigan Drops in Week 2 AP Poll

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