Aidan Hutchinson jokes about first NFL clash against JJ McCarthy
The Detroit Lions they look good after the bye week. Detroit is 5-2 heading into Week 9 and in a close battle with Green Bay in the NFC North Division Standings. The Lions have a chance to pick up another important win this weekend, facing a division rival led by a familiar face.
Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson he joked a little when we talk about facing Vikings KB JJ McCarthy for the first time on Sunday.
“It’s going to be fun,” Hutchinson said Tuesday, per Brad Galli of VXIZ Detroit. “I texted him when we got drafted, telling him that eventually I’m going to back off a little bit and not try to… you know.
Hutchinson and McCarthy were teammates at the University of Michigan during the 2021 season. That means he’s familiar to both Hutchinson and most Lions fans.
McCarthy missed several weeks with a high ankle injury. But he will be forced back into action after backup Carson Wentz announced that he will have shoulder surgery at the end of the season.
The sophomore quarterback has 301 passing yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions in just two games this season.
But Hutchinson won’t give in to McCarthy lightly, in part because he knows what he’s capable of at his best.
“I’m super excited,” Hutch added. “He’s a great competitor, a great player and I’m looking forward to it.”
Will Detroit’s depleted defense hold up against JJ McCarthy?
Detroit’s defense might end up being lucky to face McCarthy in Week 9 instead of Wentz.
McCarthy has yet to play a complete game of good football in the NFL. It would be accurate to describe him as a rookie despite being in his second season.
That’s music to the ears of Lions DC Kelvin Shepard, who is piloting a battered defense after just seven games.
The The Lions played without all of their starting secondary players in Week 7, but they could look much better on Sunday.
Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph should be back. Meanwhile, Terrion Arnold, Rock Ia-Sin and Avonte Maddock also have a chance to play.
If Detroit’s defense is for real, they should have no problem shutting down the McCarthy-led Minnesota offense and cruise to victory.
The Lions vs. Vikings kick off Sunday at 1:00 PM ET.
2025-10-29 13:05:00
