The frustrating end to the Detroit Lions' 2024 season can, in many ways, be written off due to injuries. Every answer the Lions found for a key injury, it seemed another player would go down. While this is a part of the game, the rate at which it happened to Detroit was a clear outlier.
It is impossible to believe that the 2025 season isn't going to be far better when it comes to keeping the Lions' core consistently on the field. With this in mind, fans are excited for the return of star pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson. After a hot start last season, Hutchinson was arguably the biggest loss Detroit suffered.
However, it seems the time off has worked in the Hutchinson's favor if the latest quote is to be believed. Defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard talked about the star offering the following eye-catching statement: "I see a better player than we had last year."
A better version of Hutchinson than the player who left last season would be an incredible addition. It is already a huge win simply to bring the version of the pass rusher back from last season. It is fair to wonder if this is hyperbolic excitement or a genuine progression from a star player.
Lions Continue to Be Impressed by Aidan Hutchinson
#Lions DC Kelvin Sheppard on Aidan Hutchinson: "I see a better player than we had last year."
— Nolan Bianchi (@nolanbianchi) July 24, 2025
"You might be like, 'Woah.' That's the same thing I said when I saw him out there, 'Woah.' The way he works, the way he attacked his rehab...it's no surprise."
Hutchinson is the defensive playmaker the Lions were so obviously lacking at the end of last season. When the team badly needed to create a negative play or get a stop, they were simply out of reliable options. The few that remained healthy were easy for the offense to focus its attention on and neutralize.
All of this set up a frustrating exit at the hands of Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders. It was the perfect storm in a young offense that simply had enough wrinkles to end the season for Dan Campbell's defense.
It is easy to imagine that perhaps it is a closer game and a different outcome if Hutchinson were still on the field. The explosive ability of the pass rusher consistently sets up game-changing moments that the team so obviously lacked at the end of 2024. Whether or not the defensive coordinator's praise is accurate, having Hutchinson back in the starting lineup is life-changing for the Lions.
The star defender adds a level of intensity and ability that the unit badly needed back in the fold. It serves as a reminder of why last season ended the way it did and why expectations should remain high for the 2025 Lions.