Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson continued his outstanding rookie campaign, making NFL history in Sunday’s 41-10 victory over the Chicago Bears.
In the closing seconds of the first half, Hutchinson recorded his third interception of the season, tied for the most by a defensive lineman in the Super Bowl Era.
With only six seconds left, and the Bears attack from mid-field, the Lions dropped all of its pass-rushers into coverage, including Hutchinson. According to Next Gen Stats, Hutchison covered nearly 11 yards of ground to intercept Bears’ quarterback Justin Fields.
Making Hutchinson’s feat even more impressive, the 22-year-old’s three picks this season are the first of his football career. After notching his first NFL interception in Week 9 against future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers, Hutchinson revealed to reporters that he’d never intercepted a pass, not in college, high school, or grade school.
Hutchinson also posted half a sack, giving him 7.5 on the year, tied with teammate James Houston for the rookie lead. Meanwhile, according to ESPN’s Field Yates, Hutchinson’s three picks are tied for the most in the NFL among linebackers and defensive linemen.
Per Pro Football Talk’s Michael David Smith, Hutchinson is the first player in NFL history to reach three interceptions and seven sacks in their rookie season.
Hutchinson, a top candidate to win defensive rookie of the year honors, has had a massive impact on the Lions, who are still mathematically alive for the postseason after moving to 8-8 following Sunday’s win over the Bears.
