Three and Out: Lions shouldn't stand pat after Hutchinson injury and Sunday's ruthlessness should be added to identity

With Aidan Hutchinson on the shelf for the foreseeable future, GM Brad Holmes should be working the phone lines for a viable replacement. Trey Hendrickson would certainly fit the bill. (Getty Images)

Here are three observations after a second viewing and a night to ponder the Detroit Lions’ 47-9 win over the Dallas Cowboys.

Reinforcements (probably) needed

From the jump, the Lions haven’t shied away from proclaiming their 2024 aspirations. There’s a preferred route to get there, including a second consecutive NFC North crown, but the goal after falling just short a year ago is the franchise’s first Super Bowl championship.

That dream took a significant hit in Sunday’s dismantling of the Cowboys when superstar edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson suffered a broken leg. Outside of quarterback Jared Goff, there’s not a more significant loss the roster could have suffered, accentuated by an already concerning lack of depth at the position.

In the immediate aftermath, the Lions will rally the troops and diligently assess the situation. Josh Paschal, a former second-round pick, has stepped up the past couple of weeks, while Levi Onwuzurike has operated well when lined up on the edge. Still, the team will likely need reinforcements.

Two young players figure to get an early crack at being part of the patchwork solution, linebacker Trevor Nowaske and undrafted rookie defensive end Isaac Ukwu. The latter has more of a three-down build to handle the rugged requirements of playing the edge in Detroit’s defensive scheme. Plus, he acquitted himself well in his season debut, playing significant snaps in Hutchinson’s stead during the second half against the Cowboys.

Context must be considered, obviously. The opponent was one-dimensional given their deficit, but Ukwu is physical, plays with violent hands, and has decent bend despite his boxy frame, showing improved lane integrity after struggles overrunning the QB during the preseason.

Of course, betting on Ukwu, or James Houston returning from the dead, is a risky bet. There’s a reason everyone is waiting with bated breath to see if GM Brad Holmes can pull a rabbit out of his hat via the trade market.