This fall in Detroit has been exceptional. Day after day, temperatures lingered in the 70s, with soft breezes and abundant sunshine. Few clouds graced the sky, and storms stayed away. Construction cranes dotted the revitalized downtown, completing new skyscrapers and condos. The Tigers provided a spark, showcasing the unique energy of baseball.
And then there are the Lions. They’ve been on a roll, currently holding a 4-1 record.
In a city accustomed to political jabs and underdog status, something remarkable is happening—life as a favorite. It feels new, almost surreal. Victory is not yet an expectation; after all, this isn’t Kansas City or New England.
Yet, Dan Campbell’s team is undeniably impressive. The offense shines, the defense stands strong, and coaching is top-notch. Key players are performing at their best, and even trick plays are in the mix. Jameson Williams appears to grow faster each week. The Lions aren’t just beating teams; they’re dominating them.
There’s nothing quite like a fan’s thrill during such a rise.
Conversations about the Super Bowl, once seen as fantasy, now seem plausible. This team shows few weaknesses and countless strengths, though history still breeds some caution.
Late Sunday afternoon, rain finally arrived—a cold drizzle followed by a heavy downpour, marking the onset of winter. Metaphorically, the rain mirrored a harsh reality. In the midst of delivering a stunning 47-9 victory over the Dallas Cowboys, Aidan Hutchinson suffered a broken tibia.
Just like that, a euphoric afternoon turned painful. The satisfaction of a rare dominating performance on national television was overshadowed by a gruesome injury. Fox didn’t even air the moment, and no Lions fan wanted to contemplate it.
“It’s tough,” Campbell said afterward.
While Detroit celebrated the victory, concern loomed over the potential impact on their Super Bowl aspirations. Only time will tell.
Hutchinson, the team’s defensive linchpin, leads the NFL in sacks with 7.5. His presence opens up opportunities for teammates like Alim McNeill and Levi Onwuzurike, contributing to a strong secondary that snagged three interceptions against the Cowboys.
Stats aside, Hutchinson plays harder than anyone in the league. Every play feels like the Super Bowl’s final seconds. He chases ball carriers, hustles back downfield, and sets the tone for every snap.
Detroit may have one of the best general managers in Brad Holmes. His recent draft successes transformed a struggling franchise into a talent-rich roster. He has managed to maintain future draft capital and $28.5 million in cap space, per OverTheCap.com, preparing for emergencies.
Hutchinson’s surgery recovery in a Dallas hospital qualifies as such an emergency.
Perhaps the Lions can trade for a replacement—options include Maxx Crosby from Las Vegas, Myles Garrett from Cleveland, or more reasonable picks like Trey Hendrickson from Cincinnati or Travon Walker from Jacksonville.
What Holmes and Campbell have built—both in culture and capability—extends beyond one player, even a standout edge rusher. The offense is potent. The defense is fierce. There’s too much talent to overlook. On Sunday, when Campbell handed the game ball to Jared Goff for his three-touchdown performance, Goff quickly returned it to Campbell, a Dallas native and former Cowboy.
“Our head coach is our rock now,” Goff stated.
The season and Super Bowl dreams are not lost.
Yet, the absence of Aidan Hutchinson casts a shadow over Detroit’s excitement, even as blue skies returned to dry the puddles the next morning.
Hutchinson isn’t just a player; he embodies the team and the city. Raised in Plymouth, he is the son of a Michigan Wolverine legend. After playing at Divine Child in Dearborn and then at U of M, he helped lead the team that finally defeated Ohio State, won the Big Ten, and reached the College Football Playoffs.
When the 2022 NFL Draft approached, Hutchinson expressed a desire to play for Detroit rather than go first overall to Jacksonville. He wanted to be part of the Lions’ resurgence, aligning with a roster that included Goff, offensive lineman Penei Sewell, and receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown.
Hutchinson brought star power and credibility. His energetic performance during “Hard Knocks,” singing and dancing to Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean,” energized the fan base. The potential for success felt tangible.
While sacks, tackles, and leadership can be replaced, the absence of Hutchinson resonates deeply. The next man must step up, but the overarching goal remains intact.
In the best of times, a player embodies more than just statistics, even in the high-stakes NFL.
As the weather and prospects brighten for the Lions, disappointment lingers. No Hutchinson means the dream persists but feels different.