Jul 28, 2025; Allen Park, MI, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) gives directions to his teammates as they finish stretching during training camp at Meijer Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images | Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

The Detroit Lions’ defense has been dealing with some unfortunate injury woes since last season. While the team finished up 15-2 in 2024, it wasn’t without some hiccups caused by injuries suffered to their linebacker room and their defensive line. Most notable amongst those injuries was, of course, the broken leg suffered by Aidan Hutchinson, which portended an injury riddled year for the defense.

As we head into 2025, though, it sure sounds like Hutchinson and most of the other injured Lions defenders are entering the new season with a ton of gusto. That’s at least according to quarterback Jared Goff, who told reporters during Monday’s training camp that Hutchinson and the rest of Detroit’s defense looks all the way back from their “down” 2024 season.

Per a report from 97.1 FM The Ticket’s Will Burchfield, Goff can tell the defense is almost at full strength given how often they’ve shut him down so far this offseason in drills.

“‘They’re much more confident and comfortable,’ Goff said on 97.1 The Ticket. ‘I think mostly just because they’re a year older and all their dudes are back. It’s fun to practice against, it is. It’s a challenge. They make it really hard, Coach Shep’s making It really hard on me. Those two guys in the backend with Kerby and Branch, I can’t imagine a better two to practice against every day,'”said Goff according to Burchfield.

Goff sings defense’s praises ahead of 2025 season

Hearing that the Lions’ defense is more confident than ever should be terrifying for the NFC North to hear. For all the talk of regression being a possibility for the Lions this season due to losing Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn in the offseason, it’s obvious that the team’s talent hasn’t taken a hit as a result of those departures.

In fact, it has sounded like the team as a whole is taking the adversity being thrust upon them in total stride. We’ve not stopped hearing reports of how dominant Hutchinson has been in training camp, with Goff even comparing his work this offseason to that of Aaron Donald.

Hutchinson has even earned a new rule in his honor during camp, which is “when Hutchinson beats his man and likely has a sack on a play but they don’t blow the whistle and continue the rep so the offense can get their work in during team periods,” according to team reporter Tim Twentyman.

While the offense “struggles” in camp – which is to say, while the offense isn’t able to get anything over what could be the top defense in the league this season – the defense continues to prove that the Lions aren’t ready to just throw in the towel or their NFC North title just yet. They’ve still got a ton of talent that speaks for itself, and a new DC in Kelvin Sheppard who is obviously getting the most out of the unit.