Alim McNeill embracing pressure to step up in Aidan Hutchinson's absence

The Detroit Lions are readying for a Week 7 battle against the Minnesota Vikings with first place in the NFC North on the line, and their defense is under pressure.

This will be the first week the Lions will go without Aidan Hutchinson up front, meaning it could be a struggle to rush the passer. The Lions only chose a minor addition thus far, signing Isaiah Thomas. That means players on the roster have the chance to show what they can do before a bigger outside move is made.

Alim McNeill is one player that needs to step up, and he understands the gravity of his situation as a veteran. Against the Dallas Cowboys, McNeill was a star, putting up two tackles and two sacks. That's the kind of performance that will now be needed regularly to account for Hutchinson's loss.

The good news? McNeill understands he has to step up.

"We all feel that way, but I mean if we're talking about me individually, I do feel like I need to play that way. I feel like I can do that. That's what I do as a player when I'm locked in, I'm hitting in on my keys so I do expect that from myself. But that's how we all feel. We know we're going to have to step up (in) different areas and pick up slack in different areas that (Aidan Hutchinson) had. Everybody knows (Hutchinson) does a lot for us, but we've definitely accepted the challenge. We're ready for it and we're going to be prepared. We're going to be ready."

The worry is the Lions might not have enough on the roster to overcome the loss of Hutchinson. Young names like Josh Paschal, Levi Onwuzurike and James Houston will now get a chance to shine. Clearly, McNeill wants to be lumped in to that group as well.

Alim McNeill discusses surprise of contract extension

The Lions wanted to keep McNeill around, and that mission was accomplished this week. Brad Holmes got McNeill under contract for another four years, which means McNeill will get the chance to collapse the pocket well into the future for the Lions,

As McNeill explained, the extension was off the radar for him at this point of the season, and he didn't know it was poised to happen until it played out in real-time.

"I didn't really know when it was going to be. I wasn't that locked in on it to be honest, and then my agents called me I think two days ago and then things were getting more serious. I'm like 'okay, this is getting a little crazy' and the next day it happened. So I'm like 'yeah this is wild,' but the timing definitely was crazy. I didn't expect anything right then at that time (and) that moment."

With the contract decision behind him, McNeill can breathe a sigh of relief and focus entirely on his game. If the Lions are looking for players to step up minus Hutchinson, it could be a good bet to start with him.