To put it mildly, the Detroit Lions defence had a mixed season. They were able to limit five of their first eight opponents to 20 points or fewer early in the season. They were only able to accomplish that three more times over the remainder of the season, including the playoffs.
That’s not to argue that there weren’t any standout players on that side of the ball, either. Aidan Hutchinson raised the ante on his performance. It was Alex Anzalone’s strongest season to date. According to PFF, Alim McNeill placed among the top 10 interior defenders. And in the closing minutes, Ifeatu Melifonwu made a significant defensive effect.
So who will win the Detroit Lions Defensive Player of the Year trophy in 2023—a Lions defender? These are our nominees; to view the poll, scroll down.
Hutchinson led all Lions defenders in PFF grade (91.0), despite playing an incredible 1146 defensive snaps, third most on the team. Throughout the regular season and playoffs, PFF awarded him 121 pressures; he also officially had 11.5 sacks. Hutchinson outperformed the next three Lions defenders combined in sacks due to his outstanding pressure and totals.
Aidan Hutchinson was a reliable player on the defensive end of the ball, just like St. Brown was for the offensive end. Hutch returned for his sophomore year, when he finished with 11.5 sacks and was the leading player in terms of applying pressure to opposing quarterbacks, following an outstanding rookie campaign. All of this contributed to his first Pro Bowl appearance and solidified his position as one of the NFL’s best pass rushers.
Aidan Hutchinson, the one-man act. He matured like a good wine during the season, serving as the Lions’ only reliable source of pass rush. While he wasn’t always the most impressive player, the thought of watching this Lions defence without him tells me all I need to know.
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