Wolverines in the NFL: Aidan Hutchinson makes history, Tom Brady guts out 'emotional' win
Former Michigan Wolverines football defensive end and Detroit Lions rookie Aidan Hutchinson, the No. 2 overall pick in this past spring’s draft and the runner-up for the 2021 Heisman Trophy, was a bit underwhelming in his NFL debut. He didn’t register a sack or hit on Philadelphia Eagles’ quarterback Jalen Hurts, though he was credited with 3 pressures. Pro Football Focus (PFF) graded him 120st out of 121 among edge players for his pass rush in Week 1, when the Lions lost 38-35 to the Eagles.
Hutchinson followed that up with a stellar performance in Week 2, helping lead the Lions to a 36-27 win over the Washington Commanders.
Hutchinson was tied fourth on the squad with 6 tackles, including tying for the team’s best with 5 solo stops. Three of his tackles were sacks, too, all in the first half. One week after appearing pedestrian, Hutchinson — who was battling a lower-body injury but played through it — looked anything but.
“You learn from stuff and you move on. I didn’t think I played bad in the first game, but definitely I had a lot more opportunity, I felt, in this game and I made the most of it,” Hutchinson said.
RELATED
• Jim Harbaugh gives injury updates, discusses what he’s learned about Michigan through three games
• Michigan football: PFF’s 5 best performers on offense and defense so far
He’s the first Lions rookie to record 3.0 sacks in a game and, at 22 years and 40 days old, is the fourth-youngest player in NFL history to produce a game with three sacks, behind Vernon Maxwell (1983), Nick Bosa (2019) and Greg Townsend (1983). He’s also the youngest player in franchise history to have multiple sacks in a contest.
“He played better than he did last week. He was much more detailed with how he rushed and much more disciplined — kind of really with everybody,” Lions head coach Dan Campbell said. “And so, he did, he was better, but so was everybody around him, which helps him be better. That’s really the best way to answer it.
“I’m fired up. I am. I love it. Three sacks, I hope we get three more and he gives us three more next week. And I haven’t seen the tape, but just from what I saw out there and how everything was run and the stunts, I thought he did a great job. I did. I’m not down on him or something. I thought he did a great job, but I thought all those guys did, too. They all funneled into each other.”
Hutchinson agreed that the entire pass rush operation was to credit for his big plays.
“It’s everyone just doing their jobs and I got a lot of the fruits of it this week, so I’m just blessed, and I thought I made the most of my opportunities this week,” Hutchinson said. “It’s a full team effort on that defensive line.
“Sacks are a very tedious thing, so you need everyone clicking, and I thought we were clicking today.”
Hutchinson was humble following his inspired performance, perhaps because he dedicated the performance to Hudson Gazsi, a five-year-old who was recently diagnosed with leukemia.
“He’s a big Lions fan, he’s from my area,” the Plymouth, Mich., native said of Gazsi. “I sent him a video before the game. He was cheering me on. I’m just happy to have good games to spread causes to kids like that. Just raise a lot of awareness for things like that.”
Tom Brady, Tampa Bay Buccaneers gut out ’emotional’ win over New Orleans Saints
Playing division rival New Orleans has been a struggle for former Michigan quarterback Tom Brady and his team ever since he joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2020 season.
Entering Sunday afternoon at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, the Bucs had lost all four regular-season tilts against the Saints with Brady at quarterback. Brady’s squad combined to score just 53 points in those losses. The offensive struggle continued with the Bucs posting just 260 yards of total offense — 188 through the air and 72 on the ground — averaging just 4 yards per play.
Brady, who completed 18 of his 34 passes for 190 yards and 1 touchdown, was frustrated throughout, seen yelling at his teammates and throwing a Microsoft tablet in frustration.
“I’ve had a pretty bad record against that tablet, unfortunately,” Brady joked on his ‘Let’s Go’ podcast. “I think I forgot the password and I couldn’t log in, so those things can be frustrating. Unfortunately, the tablet just happens to get in the way, and obviously that’s the reason things weren’t going great yesterday, so I had to take it out on the poor, meaningless tablet.
The former Michigan quarterback hopes to keep his composure a bit going forward.
“Remaining poised is really important, which I didn’t do a very good job of that [Sunday],” Brady said. “I’ve gotta be really mindful of that going forward, getting my emotions in a good place, so it allows me to be the best player I can be.”
Tom Brady (Played at Michigan from 1995-99), QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Connected on 18 of his 34 pass attempts for 190 yards and 1 touchdown in a low-scoring, 20-10 win over division rival New Orleans … Broke the 3-3 tie midway through the third quarter with a 28-yard pass to wideout Breshad Perriman … Completed 59 percent of his passes for 402 yards with 2 touchdowns and 1 interception for the 2-0 Buccaneers … Now the oldest quarterback to start an NFL game, with the 45-year-old playing in his 23rd professional season.
Ben Bredeson (2016-19), OL, New York Giants
Started two games at left guard for the 2-0 Giants, who lost, 19-16, to the Carolina Panthers … Posted a 50.5 overall PFF grade for the season, with one penalty committed and no sacks allowed.
Devin Bush Jr. (2016-18), LB, Pittsburgh Steelers
Opened both contests for the 1-1 Steelers, recording 9 tackles … Left late in the team’s Week 2 loss to the New England Patriots with a foot injury … The severity of the ailment is unknown … Listed as a “limited participant” for practice on the Steelers’ Monday injury report.
Camaron Cheeseman (2016-19), LS, Washington Commanders
Snapped 13 times in two tilts for the 1-1 Commanders, who lost to the Detroit Lions in Week 2, 36-27.
Frank Clark (2011-14), DE, Kansas City Chiefs
Started and made 2 tackles and 1 hit on the quarterback in the 2-0 Chiefs’ 27-24 win over the Los Angeles Chargers Thursday night … His 5 pressures are ranked tied for 33rd among edge rushers in the NFL, per PFF … Totaled 3 tackles for the season.
Mason Cole (2014-17), OL, Pittsburgh Steelers
Began both games at center for the 1-1 Steelers … His 69.8 PFF run-blocking grade ranked third on the team for the game …
Nico Collins (2017-19), WR, Houston Texans
Started one of two games for the 0-1-1 Texans, who lost to the Denver Broncos, 16-9 … Came off the bench and caught 4 passes for 58 yards in the Week 2 setback … Hauled in 6 receptions on 12 targets for 80 yards this season.
Mike Danna (2019), DE, Kansas City Chiefs
Come off the bench in both of the 2-0 Chiefs’ outings, registering 2 tackles and 1 hit on the quarterback … He’s third overall on the team and tied for 16th among NFL edge rushers with 8 pressures.
Chris Evans (2016-20), RB, Cincinnati Bengals
Played one snap on offense and 36 on special teams in two tilts for the 0-2 Bengals, who lost to the Dallas Cowboys, 20-17, Sunday.
Rashan Gary (2016-18), LB, Green Bay Packers
Started and posted 2 tackles, both behind the line of scrimmage, including 1 sack, in a 27-10 win over the Chicago Bears Sunday night … Opened both contests for the 1-1 Packers, registering 9 tackles, 3 stops for loss and 2 sacks … Gets pressure on the opposing quarterback on 11.6 percent of his pass-rush opportunities, which slots tied for 16th in the NFL, per PFF.
Zach Gentry (2015-18), TE, Pittsburgh Steelers
Opened a 17-14 loss to the New England Patriots but did not record any stats … Came off the bench to make 2 receptions for 40 yards the week prior (a 23-20 win over the Cincinnati Bengals).
Graham Glasgow (2011-15), OL, Denver Broncos
Started at right guard and played every offensive snap in the 1-1 Broncos’ 16-9 win over the Houston Texans … Came off the bench but played the majority of the time in Week 1.
Brandon Graham (2006-09), DE, Philadelphia Eagles
Tallied 2 tackles in a 24-7 win over the Minnesota Vikings Monday night, adding 1 pressure … Started both games thus far, totaling 2 tackles and a half-sack.
Top 10
- 1
Tony Bennett retires
Virginia coach abruptly steps down
- 2New
Uga, Bevo reunion off
Georgia mascot owner makes call
- 3
Ryan Williams ranks rivalries
Third Saturday on the rise for Bama frosh
- 4Hot
Urban backs James Franklin
Urban Meyer respected PSU coach's reaction
- 5
Herbie rips OSU fans
Kirk Herbstreit defends Will Howard
Hassan Haskins (2018-21), RB, Tennessee Titans
After not recording any statistics in Week 1, Haskins notched the first rushes of his NFL career in a 41-7 loss to the Buffalo Bills Monday night … Carried 9 times for 37 yards and had 1 reception for 0 yards.
Chad Henne (2004-07), QB, Kansas City Chiefs
Did not play in Week 2 for the 2-0 Chiefs, after seeing time late in a Week 1 victory.
Dax Hill (2019-21), S, Cincinnati Bengals
Played sparingly in each of the 0-2 Bengals’ first two contests, not recording any statistics.
Donovan Jeter (2017-21), DT, Washington Commanders
The undrafted rookie made 1 tackle in his lone appearance (a 36-27 loss to the Detroit Lions in Week 2) after being signed by the 1-1 Commanders following the first week of the season.
Aidan Hutchinson (2018-21), DL, Detroit Lions
Started both of the 1-1 Lions’ games, racking up 7 tackles … He notched 3 sacks and 2 tackles for loss in a Week 2 win over the Washington Commanders (36-27).
Taylor Lewan (2009-13), OL, Tennessee Titans
The former Michigan left tackle was off the field after suffering an injury on Tennessee’s first play from scrimmage in a 41-7 loss to the Buffalo Bills Week 2 … Was deemed questionable to return but did not come back in the game … Specifics of his injury, including how much time he will miss are unknown … Started both games for the 0-2 Titans.
Jourdan Lewis (2013-16), CB, Dallas Cowboys
Came off the bench and registered 4 tackles in the 1-1 Cowboys’ 20-17 win over the Cincinnati Bengals … Started in a 19-3 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers the week prior, recording 5 tackles … Allowed 6 receptions for 83 yards and no touchdowns on 8 targets this season, per PFF.
David Long Jr. (2016-18), CB, Los Angeles Rams
The former Michigan cornerback played a backup role and notched 4 tackles in the 1-1 Rams’ 31-27 win over the Atlanta Falcons … Totaled 7 tackles on the season … Yielded 6 receptions for 94 yards and no touchdowns on 8 targets, per PFF.
Josh Metellus (2016-19), S, Minnesota Vikings
Made 2 tackles while playing as a special teamer and reserve safety in the 1-1 Vikings’ 24-7 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles … Played a backup role in both games, totaling 4 tackles.
Bryan Mone (2014-18), DT, Seattle Seahawks
Opened the 1-1 Seahawks’ 27-7 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, tallying 4 tackles … Registered 5 stops for the season.
Michael Onwenu (2016-19), OL, New England Patriots
The former Michigan offensive lineman started at right guard in the 1-1 Patriots’ 17-14 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers … His 76.5 overall PFF grade ranked third on the team and second among the Pats’ offensive linemen (behind center David Andrews) … Opened both games so far.
Kwity Paye (2017-19), DE, Indianapolis Colts
Totaled 3 tackles, including 1 stop for loss, while starting in the 0-1-1 Colts’ 24-0 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars … Started both games to this point, recording 2 sacks to go along with 10 tackles.
Donovan Peoples-Jones (2017-19), WR, Cleveland Browns
Started both contests for the 1-1 Browns … Hauled in 6 receptions for 60 yards on 11 targets in a 26-24 win over the Carolina Panthers to open the season but did not record any stats in a 31-30 loss to the New York Jets this past weekend.
Jabrill Peppers (2014-16), S, New England Patriots
The former Michigan defender made 3 tackles while coming off the bench in the 1-1 Patriots’ 17-14 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers … Did not register any stats the prior week.
Josh Ross (2017-21), LB, Baltimore Ravens
Played on special teams in both of his 1-1 squad’s first two clashes, recording a tackle in each game, including a 42-38 loss to the Miami Dolphins this past weekend.
Cesar Ruiz (2017-19), OL, New Orleans Saints
Started the 1-1 Saints’ 20-10 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers … Opened both contests thus far.
Jon Runyan (2015-19), OL, Green Bay Packers
Started at left guard in each of the 1-1 Packers’ games, including a 27-10 win over the Chicago Bears Sunday night … He’s the Packers’ lone starting offensive lineman to not allow a pressure this season, and his 88.6 PFF pass-blocking grade ranks first among NFL guards.
Ambry Thomas (2017-19), CB, San Francisco 49ers
The former Michigan cornerback came off the bench and made 1 tackle in a 27-7 win over the Seattle Seahawks … Played in both contests for the 1-1 49ers, totaling 2 tackles.
Josh Uche (2016-19), LB, New England Patriots
Did not record any stats while playing 20 snaps on defense and eight on special teams in a 17-14 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers … Made 1 tackle in the 1-1 Patriots’ loss to the Dolphins Week 1.
Chase Winovich (2014-18), DE, Cleveland Browns
Notched 1 tackle and 2 hits on the quarterback in the 1-1 Browns’ 31-30 loss to the New York Jets … Played seven special teams snaps in a win over the Panthers in Week 1.
Chris Wormley (2012-16), DE, Pittsburgh Steelers
Totaled 2 tackles in a 17-14 loss to the New England Patriots … Has 5 tackles, including 1 for loss, on the season.
Injured reserve
The following are Michigan football players who are currently on teams but listed as on the injured reserve:
• Patriots K Quinn Nordin
• Patriots OL Andrew Stueber
• Cowboys TE Ian Bunting
• Ravens OLB David Ojabo
• Falcons OL Jalen Mayfield
