There's still lots of football to be played, but the NFL season is reaching a crucial point. The teams that can consistently get the job done are beginning to stand out, while others are running out of time to turn things around. It's also when the award talk amps up. MVP hopefuls, standout rookies, Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year candidates and coaches making a difference are all starting to separate themselves from the competition.
ESPN's Bill Barnwell has unveiled his official take on the best players and coaches of the year, and he just revealed his midseason awards.
Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson gets serious praise
In the piece, Barnwell sings the praises of Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson. He names him the No. 3 best Defensive Player of the Year, only behind Fred Warner of the San Francisco 49ers and Will Anderson Jr. of the Houston Texans.
It's good news to see Hutchinson get this kind of respect. It also comes right before the team's game against the New England Patriots overseas.
"Hutchinson simply keeps creating havoc up front," he says, adding that his "46 pressures leads all defenders so far this season. "He has 13 quick pressures and 16 quarterback hits. And he virtually never comes off the field, playing 90% of the defensive snaps for the Lions."
He adds, "Unsurprisingly, the Lions rank last in the NFL in defensive EPA per play, opponent QBR and pressure rate during those rare times when Hutchinson is getting a breather. I'm not sure any defender in the league is more load-bearing at the moment."
Hutchinson has been a shining star amid the Lions' sketchy defense, and Detroit is certainly lucky to have him.
