ALLEN PARK — Sunday was only Day One of Detroit Lions training camp but already second-year defensive tackle Aidan Hutchinson could see a difference from a year ago.
Hutchinson, the NFL’s 2022 rookie of the year, said the vibes are good. His goal is to stay consistent and smooth throughout.
“The game has slowed down, everything just feels a lot easier. I feel I have a better grasp on what I do and kind of my position in the scheme and the system,’’ Hutchinson said after the practice. “Just being out here today it’s a lot less tiring, you’re not thinking as much, I’m just rolling and having fun. That experience is so critical.’’
Hutchinson led all NFL rookies with 9.5 sacks last season and became the first rookie since 1982, when the individual sack became an official statistic, with at least nine sacks and three interceptions.
He’s built camaraderie with the defensive linemen last year and through OTAs and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn returned so there are no big defensive changes.
“It’s just rinse and repeat at this point,’’ Hutchinson said.
He doesn’t plan any new moves this season.
“I’m not a big believer in doing too many different things. I think it’s important to have two to three moves and as long as you can do those at a really high level, you probably won’t be blocked,’’ Hutchinson said. “The second you try to add this or add that, it complicates the game, I think it’s important to keep pass rush simple.”
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