5 Detroit Lions who must step up in Week 2 vs. the Commanders

If the Detroit Lions win on Sunday, it’ll be because these five players stepped up and played well.

The Detroit Lions comeback fell short against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 1, but they are still favored (however narrowly) over the 1-0 Washington Commanders in Week 2.

The Commanders certainly are a beatable team. If the Lions can put together a more complete, cleaner game on Sunday they absolutely can win–perhaps even decisively. With the good that happened against the Eagles, the Lions did just enough that wasn’t good enough in some critical areas to lose.

If the Lions are going to put a mark in the win column on Sunday against the Commanders, these five players will have to step up.

5 Detroit Lions who must step up in Week 2 vs. the Commanders

5. DE Aidan Hutchinson

A lot was made of Hutchinson’s lack of production in his NFL debut. But he truly made mistakes in some small margins, leaving Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts room to move and run. Going against Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson also wasn’t an easy assignment.

Commanders right tackle Sam Cosmi is a good young player, but he’s not in Johnson’s class. Hutchinson should have a raw talent advantage, it’s just a matter of being in the right position and finishing off plays against a less-mobile quarterback in Carson Wentz.