Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson recorded 4.5 sacks last week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, yet that was somehow not enough for him to be named NFC Defensive Player of the Week. Those honors went to Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates, who had the game-sealing interceptions against the Eagles, along with 12 tackles and an additional pass breakup.

Bates had an outstanding game, but Hutchinson’s performance was far more rare for defensive players. His 4.5 sacks were the second-most in a single game in Lions franchise history. Last year, it only happened once (Khalil Mack). It didn’t happen at all during he 2022 season. Since 2009, only 11 players have logged a 4.5-sack game.

Regardless, Hutchinson’s start to this season already has him in the NFL Defensive Player of the Year conversation. He leads the league in sacks (5.5), pressures (17, per PFF), PFF pass rush grade (95.0), and is currently tied for third in ESPN’s pass rush win rate (33%). Per FanDuel, he currently has the second-best odds (+470) to win Defensive Player of the Year, only behind Steelers edge defender T.J. Watt (+420).

“I was pretty blown away last night,” coach Dan Campbell said on Monday. “He’s a force. He’s a force. He played all but, whatever that was, six or seven plays. He just, he’s relentless, he’s powerful, he’s explosive. They sort of tried to double him and chip him and nudge him and he just—he was a force.”

You may not have won the award, Hutch, but we know your worth.