To beat the Detroit Lions, you'd better have an answer for all-world pass-rusher Aidan Hutchinson, who is poised to become one of the highest-paid pass-rushers in football. The Green Bay Packers have a solution.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport noted that now Hutchinson is fully cleared from a significant leg injury that cost him most of last season, the Lions will likely accelerate talks over a massive extension with their star pass-rusher.
Hutchinson will almost certainly receive Myles Garrett money this summer, and the Pro Bowl pass-rusher will aim to make up for lost time, beginning at Lambeau Field in Week 1.
Opposing teams better have an answer. The Packers do.
The Lions will make Hutchinson one of, if not the highest-paid players at his position. We raise you one Zach Tom, who will receive a similar payday at the tackle position.
Arguably the most underrated tackle in football, Tom is the Packers' solution to the Lions' Hutchinson problem.
Zach Tom has proven he can shut down Aidan Hutchinson, and Packers' hopes rest on him winning this matchup again
Hutchinson has enjoyed plenty of success against the Packers, but not against Tom.
Tom became the Packers' starting right tackle in 2023, and he hasn't allowed a single sack against Hutchinson. According to Pro Football Focus, Tom gave up zero sacks and just nine pressures in 125 pass-blocking snaps against Hutchinson, Cameron Jordan, and T.J. Watt in 2023.
Hutchinson missed both games against the Packers last season.
The Lions' pass-rusher undoubtedly presents a formidable matchup for any tackle. Per PFF, he finished last season with 45 pressures despite playing only five games. For perspective, Rashan Gary had only four more pressures in 12 more games. No other Packers defender could match Hutchinson's total.
However, Tom is the perfect antidote. He has proven he can slow down Hutchinson, and last season, his 81.0 pass-blocking grade ranked 15th among 135 tackles.
The Packers need to finally prove they can beat the Lions, but that's impossible if Hutchinson takes over the game. Matt LaFleur may even prefer to chip him and provide additional help, but Tom is the key to slowing down arguably the league's best pass-rusher.
Detroit will soon hand him a game-changing extension, but Tom is Green Bay's solution, and he also has an incoming payday.
Winning the NFC North means beating the Lions, and beating the Lions means slowing down Hutchinson. The Packers have the formula to do it.