The Detroit Lions' pass-rush was a real problem for the Los Angeles Rams in the Week 1 game that saw the Lions win, 26-20, in overtime.
Detroit's pass-rush tallied a whopping 27 pressures and three sacks in the contest. As you'd expect, Aidan Hutchinson led the way with 11 pressures and a sack, and he posted a sterling Pro Football Focus pass-rush grade of 95.7.
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The pressures were tied for the most among all defenders in Week 1 with Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons, and his grade was the best.
Hutchinson's spin move was particularly unstoppable, as he abused Rams offensive linemen throughout the game with it. In a clip from NFL Films, the Michigan product could be heard talking about how Los Angeles simply couldn't stop it.
“I’ve spammed the spin move...they can’t defend me” @aidanhutch97 saved his best for last to spark a @lions comeback 💪#NFLTurningPoint | @LRiddickESPN pic.twitter.com/QtfOii9bft
— NFL Films (@NFLFilms) September 11, 2024
You love to see the confidence from Hutchinson, who has absolutely earned the right to show it in his third season in the NFL. He looks primed to set another career-best mark in sacks this season.
The former No. 2 overall pick has been everything the Lions could've hoped for and then some. Detroit should be sending the Jacksonville Jaguars a fruit basket every single year for taking Travon Walker No. 1 overall instead of Hutchinson.
Detroit also saw standout performances from defensive end Marcus Davenport (six pressures, one sack) and defensive lineman Levi Onwuzurike (five pressures, one sack) in Week 1, which is a great sign for a Lions pass-rush that must be better in 2024 than it was in 2023.
General manager Brad Holmes shouldn't rest on his laurels and needs to continue exploring ways to add to the group. But as of right now, the pass-rush is off to a great start.
