The Detroit Lions finally broke their five-game losing streak in a very thrilling win over the Green Bay Packers, and they have their 2022 rookie class to thank.
On the defensive line, rookies Aidan Hutchinson and Josh Paschal bookended the four-man front and brought the pressure consistently against Aaron Rodgers. While their box scores may look bleak, with just five tackles between the two of them, they made the most of their snaps. The Packers lost David Bakhtiari at left tackle due to an injury and the two Lions rookies capitalized. Hutchinson also recorded his first career interception, picking off Rodgers at the goal line.
First career pick for the first round pick❗️#GBvsDET 📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/8lA5YloRIj
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) November 6, 2022
In the secondary, third-round draft pick Kerby Joseph made his presence known. The rookie, who struggled throughout much of this season, was by far the biggest defensive playmaker in this matchup. Joseph became just the fourth player in NFL history to intercept Aaron Rodgers twice in one game and he was very close to recording a third. He finished the day with 10 total tackles, two picks, and a pass breakup but unfortunately had to exit the game early due to a head injury.
It's Joseph again❗️#GBvsDET 📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/BYJfPDCbD6
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) November 6, 2022
Fifth-round pick James Mitchell proved he could fill the void at tight end left after the trade of T.J. Hockenson. The rookie caught both passes that went his way for a total of just eight yards, but also notched his first touchdown as a professional football player. Moving forward, expect to see a lot more from Mitchell.
Governor of the end zone!@j_mitch82#GBvsDET 📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/dTkXhCCiBB
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) November 6, 2022
Linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez started at inside linebacker for Detroit but was sidelined for much of the game due to an elbow injury sustained in the first half. He had four tackles on the day.
