It's been nearly three years since the Detroit Lions last faced off against former divisional foe Aaron Rodgers, but it's clear the quarterback's bouts with then-rookie edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson in 2022 left an impression on him.
In those two games, both Lions' victories, Hutchinson sacked Rodgers twice and even picked up a redzone interception in the future Hall of Fame QB's most recent visit to Detroit.
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Speaking with Lions OnSI, Rodgers, now with the Pittsburgh Steelers, had glowing praise for the Lions' star defender, saying, "He's a game wrecker. He's a fantastic player. He's making his way down the path of being a generational-type player. You know, he's had great career."
Rodgers continued on what makes Hutchinson so special, saying that Hutchinson is "anything but a one-trick pony," adding that "he's got all the moves, pass rush, great spin move, cobra strike, speed to power." Rodgers concluded with his most ringing endorsement yet: "He's a talented guy. He's one of the few guys in league you really got to know where he's at in every play."
On the surface, Rodgers is having a solid season in his first campaign with the Steelers. Rodgers has thrown for 2,594 passing yards, with 22 passing touchdowns to just seven interceptions. Rodgers' completion percentage (66.8%) and passer rating (98.8) are both higher than during his New York Jets tenure. However, Pro Football Focus has Rodgers graded out at a 65.7, which is 32nd among all qualified QBs.
The Steelers are 8-5 in his starts, and currently sit atop the AFC North. With a win, the Steelers will extend their streak without a losing season to 22. The Lions have not defeated the Steelers since 2018, and QB Jared Goff has yet to defeat the Steelers himself. The Lions' last meeting with the Steelers ended in a 16-16 tie in 2021.
Hutchinson shares his thoughts on facing Rodgers again
To hear that praise from one of the most talented QBs ever to play the game must be music to Hutchinson's ears. Of course, Hutchinson would love to build upon his previous meetings with Rodgers and lead the Lions to a much-needed victory with their playoff hopes on the line.
Speaking with the Detroit media on Thursday, Hutchinson shared his thoughts on facing Rodgers again, saying, "I'd love if he threw me another (interception). That'd be great. No, he's a competitor, and he's been doing it at a high level for a long time, so we all have a ton of respect for him. You know, he's a focus this week, for sure."
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When asked about Rodgers' quick release being similar to Los Angeles Rams' Matthew Stafford, and what he and the defense have learned from playing Stafford this past Sunday, Hutchinson said, "Don't get frustrated. Keep rushing, and eventually, you'll get home."
The Steelers currently have a bottom-five rushing offense at 92.5 yards per game. The Lions are 3-5 when going up against a team in the bottom half of the league in rushing yards per game, but 2-0 against the bottom five. Expect the Steelers to lean heavily on Rodgers' arm. If Hutchinson and other pass rushers can "get home" at home on Sunday, then that might be enough to negate whatever gains Rodgers might make on a depleted Lions' secondary. The Lions' season very well depends on it.