Detroit Lions vs. Washington Commanders: 3 key matchups for Week 2
By Zach Payne
Matchup 2: Lions DE Aidan Hutchinson vs. Commanders offensive line
In his NFL debut, many fans were hoping to see what made Hutchinson worthy of the second overall pick in April. While he may have done his job in containing the quarterback in the second half after a few overzealous reps in the opening two quarters, the flashes weren’t really there. So naturally, there was some overreaction out there.
This week the hope, or even expectation is Hutchin has more of an impact. The good news is Washington’s offensive line is good but not great, where as Philadelphia’s is arguably (or maybe inarguably) the league’s best.
If Hutchinson is able to have more opportunities to pin his ears back and rush the passer this week, without having to account for a very mobile quarterback who will gash overpursuit in the pocket for big chunks of yardage on the ground like Jalen Hurts did, chances are he can create plenty of pressure.
If he is able to get it done, it will open up other pass rushers to do the same. Wentz has been known to try to play hero-ball, so the Lions’ secondary could catch some stray throws if the Commanders’ signal caller is under some consistent heat in the pocket.