Aidan Hutchinson has experienced plenty in his four seasons with the Detroit Lions, but one thing that stands out is how the team consistently responds to adversity.
Since Week 8 of the 2022 season, Detroit hasn’t dropped consecutive games — a streak they aim to protect as they prepare for their Week 10 road clash with the Washington Commanders.
When asked what allows the team to recover so effectively after a setback, Hutchinson paused for a moment before giving credit to the team’s mentality and leadership.
“I don’t even know exactly what it is,” Hutchinson admitted. “But there’s a winning mindset in this locker room. We just don’t let one loss turn into two. That’s all thanks to our coaches and the guys in this building. We know Washington will bring their best, so we’ve got to execute.”
Hutchinson noted that the recent 27-24 loss to the Minnesota Vikings could ultimately help the team sharpen its focus, especially as they navigate a crucial stretch of the season with championship goals still in sight.
After the loss, head coach Dan Campbell told reporters the team looked rusty and took accountability for not having them ready in a key divisional matchup. Hutchinson agreed, expressing frustration over the team’s lack of rhythm throughout the game.
“There wasn’t much flow in any phase of that game,” Hutchinson said. “We’ve got to improve in that area. When things aren’t clicking, we’ve still got to find ways to win — and we almost did.
“If we’d just gotten that third-down stop late, our offense would’ve had another shot to tie or win it. So yeah, we’ve got to be better in those types of games.”
That pivotal moment came with just under two minutes left in regulation. Facing 3rd-and-5 from their own 28-yard line and clinging to a three-point lead, the Vikings sealed the victory when quarterback J.J. McCarthy hit wideout Jalen Nailor for a 16-yard completion — effectively ending the Lions’ comeback hopes.
Now Detroit shifts its focus to Washington, a team that eliminated them from the playoffs last year. While Hutchinson acknowledged the emotional undertone of a “revenge game,” he emphasized that this year’s squad is focused on the present.
“Definitely, that’s part of it,” he said. “Any good team will use anything possible for motivation. Some of the guys weren’t here last year, but Coach Dan’s brought it up, and we’re feeding off that.
“Still, it’s a new season, a new challenge. We just have to prepare the right way and leave everything on the field.”
