Lions’ Aidan Hutchinson Gets Stern Warning After Packers Loss
The Detroit Lions had a very difficult start to their 2025-26 season, and hopefully it’s not a sign of things to come. While those in the Motor City were hoping that the Lions would pick up where they left off last season, that didn’t quite happen, and instead, the team fell in a big loss to the Green Bay Packers, with a final tally of 27-13.
It wasn’t a good look, but hopefully the team got the wake-up call that it needed and will forge ahead with some wins. While there was a lot of finger-pointing after the game by spectators, the players gave it their all, but something was just off. It was easy to feel the absence of offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn during that game.
Following the game, one of the Lions’ biggest stars, defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, is getting some harsh words thrown at him about his debut. Hutchinson, of course, is coming back from a season-ending injury last season, so people were excited to see him back on the field. But, even he had a difficult start to the season, which is uncharacteristic for him.
Detroit Lions Star Aidan Hutchinson Gets Put on Notice
Hutchinson is raising some eyebrows following the Packers loss. He’s an elite player and one of the best in his position in the NFL, so hopefully he doesn’t get too discouraged by the talk, but it’s worth pointing out.
In a piece published on Monday, September 8, Chris Schad of Detroit Jock City calls Hutchinson out on his season debut. He basically said that Hutchinson did himself “zero favors” in that game and also didn’t help his case to land a blockbuster contract with Holmes and the Lions.
“Hutchinson didn’t show up often in the game against the Packers, finishing without a tackle or a sack in Sunday’s loss,” Schad noted. “His presence didn’t free up things for his teammates, either, as Jordan Love was sacked just once.”
Schad added, “Hutchinson also was embroiled in a controversy when he knocked over Love on a personal foul call, which resulted in Packers lineman Zach Tom getting injured as he tried to avoid his quarterback on the ground.”
Packers’ Micah Parsons Did a Number on the Detroit Lions
What made it worse was the dichotomy of the Packers having defensive end Micah Parsons on the team, which they obtained through a trade with the Dallas Cowboys.
“While Hutchinson wasn’t showing Brad Holmes to throw the bag at him as soon as possible, his cause was made worse by the debut of Micah Parsons,” Schad adds. “The star edge rusher played just 30 snaps in the win over the Lions but he was noticed immediately, swimming past All-Pro tackle Penei Sewell in his first snap as a Packer.” Later, Parsons also “picked up a sack in addition to the pressure he created all afternoon,” making that contract with the Packers worth it right away.
It was not a good look for Hutchinson. But, hopefully this was just an anomaly and that a better game is on the way.
Meanwhile, former Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford had a great game to start his season. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that “Matthew Stafford set an NFL record Sunday for most career opening-day starts for a quarterback with 17.” He adds that, “Until this year, Stafford had started his team’s season opener in all 16 seasons, which tied him with John Elway for the longest streak to being a quarterback’s career. Now it’s his record.”
Vikings are paying $51 million to learn what the Commanders already knew
The Washington Commanders and Jonathan Allen went their separate ways this offseason. This always seemed inevitable, with the veteran defensive tackle's lack of production and motivation leaving general manager Adam Peters with no option other than to go in a different direction.
Allen was made available for trade, but no willing suitor came forward. The Commanders did right by the player, releasing him just before free agency to ensure he got a head start on finding his next destination. That arrived quickly, with the Minnesota Vikings striking with conviction to secure his services.
And the Vikings paid $51 million to find out what the Commanders were already aware of.
Commanders were right to move on from Jonathan Allen this offseason
The Alabama product is on the decline performance-wise. Age catches up to everyone in the end, and even though it's only one game, Allen didn't look like he was going to turn the tide on Monday Night Football against the Chicago Bears.
Minnesota managed to emerge from Soldier Field with a valuable division win after a stunning comeback in the second half. First-round quarterback J.J. McCarthy recovered from some early jitters to lead the charge, formally announcing himself on the NFL stage after missing his entire rookie campaign with a knee injury.
That was a major positive for the NFC North club. But for Allen, it's not a game that he'll remember with any great fondness.
The two-time Pro Bowler looked lethargic, losing his battle with interior offensive lineman Joe Thuney comfortably. He gained one solo tackle. How he didn't bring down quarterback Caleb Williams for a sack on one play remains a mystery. He looked a yard off the pace for the most part, and there is a huge amount of hard work ahead if he wants to repay the faith shown by the Vikings.
Watching Montez Sweat and Jonathan Allen make me happy they are no longer on my team. They look exactly how I remember. Too easily taken out of plays.
— His Imperial Majesty (@Treg2Cole) September 9, 2025
Peters was right to move on. Allen was a fantastic servant to the Commanders, but things had run their course. Looking at the way Daron Payne and free-agent signing Javon Kinlaw dominated the trenches in Week 1 against the New York Giants, it was the correct call from Washington's ruthless front office leader.
Allen is a solid pro and an exceptional leader within the locker room. It also takes time to settle into a new environment, regardless of whether you're an experienced figure or a rookie looking to make a splash.
Commanders fans wish Allen nothing but the best. But the franchise moving on from the player came at the best possible time.
