ARLINGTON: “You have to beat the man to be the man.”
When the Detroit Lions enter AT&T Stadium for a nationally televised “Saturday Night Football” match against the Dallas Cowboys, who haven’t dropped a home game since September of 2022, that appears to be their frame of mind.
Even if the Cowboys are 10-5 and headed to the playoffs, some consider them to be among the best in the NFL, that doesn’t make them “the man.” But at home, where you’ve won 15 in a row and are 7-0 so far this year?
That’s sufficiently “manly,” and Aidan Hutchinson, a top defensive lineman for the Lions, is explaining what “gets me fired up” about it.
Hutchinson remarked, “Obviously, everyone is aware of the stat with Dallas at home.” However, that piques my interest, at least for me. You want to break their home run as soon as possible.
“You wish to be the one to defeat them.”
At just 23, Hutchinson is the focal point of a Lions defense that can definitely achieve that objective. Following up on his rookie season of 9.5 sacks, three interceptions, and two fumble recoveries, the second overall choice in the 2022 NFL Draft had 6.5 sacks, an interception, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and seven passes defended.
D-lineman defending passes and interceptions? That is a dramatist.
With an 11-4 record, the Lions are pursuing the Niners in an attempt to earn home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs. However, this pursuit is in no way intended to be disparaging to Dallas, which is a five-point favorite.
They have many excellent players, and Dak Prescott has been playing excellent ball. Although taking home the NFC North title is an achievement, Hutchinson stated, “We’ll be ready.” He also stated, “I have my sights set on a lot bigger things.”
The Lions are indeed discussing the Super Bowl.
Hutchinson remarked, “So, it was cool, we were all dancing around,” of the postgame locker room after the win. However, after ten minutes or so, I thought, ‘Okay, let’s just get ready for today and the playoffs.'” You’re drawn to the Super Bowl because it’s one of the biggest events of the year.
And being the club that, for the first time in over two full seasons, is capable of “taking down” a “perfect” Dallas team in this building? Yes, that would be considered a “big thing” in Detroit.
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