The Detroit Lions’ offseason has largely taken on two main narratives: the first centers around concerns over the key players the team parted ways with, and the second revolves around the injuries plaguing those who remain.

To put it plainly, the fate of the Lions’ season largely hinges on Aidan Hutchinson staying healthy. Credit where it’s due—the team stayed fairly competitive last year after Hutchinson suffered a knee injury—but anyone watching could see they weren’t quite the same.

Losing one of the NFL’s top pass rushers and a key locker room leader does a number on team energy and identity.

Even with the cloud of uncertainty left by Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn’s exits, it’s still reasonable to say the Lions, with a healthy Hutchinson, remain top dogs in the division—and maybe even the NFC. Hutchinson’s that dominant. And thanks to Pro Football Focus, we don’t have to convince anyone.

“Hutchinson was putting up a historic season — and was on track to win Defensive Player of the Year — before a knee injury in Week 6 abruptly ended his 2024 campaign. He began the season with an elite 91.0 PFF grade, producing 45 pressures, eight sacks, and an outrageous 38.3% pass-rush win rate through just five games.

.Had he maintained that pace, it might’ve gone down as the best edge season PFF’s ever tracked. Hutchinson is already among the elite; now Detroit just needs him healthy again.”

Already elite! That’s music to Lions fans’ ears. It’s refreshing not having to argue whether your defensive cornerstone is top-tier—especially when he’s the emotional pulse of the team.

Given how gloomy this offseason has felt at times, it’s encouraging to hear that things aren’t all falling apart just because Detroit lost two coordinators and had a questionable draft. This was a team one quarter from the Super Bowl not long ago.

I might be going out on a limb here, but… I think I feel something like hope? Maybe even genuine optimism? Never underestimate the power of a strong PFF score.