Survey: With Aidan Hutchinson on IR, who is the Lions’ most important defender?

Checking in with Detroit Lions fans for our latest SB Nation Reacts survey: With Aidan Hutchinson on IR, who is the Lions’ most important defender?

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year, we ask questions of the most plugged-in Detroit Lions fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

Each week, in our SB Nation Reacts Survey, we will provide readers with a question or two specifically geared toward Detroit Lions fans—with an article exploring the results released later in the week.

This week, we have two questions: the first being a recurring weekly question, and the next being designed for Week 7:

1. Are you confident the Lions are headed in the right direction? (weekly poll)
2. With Aidan Hutchinson on IR, who is the Lions’ most important defender?

After breaking the Seattle curse and taking down the Seahawks in Week 4, Lions fans’ confidence in the direction of the team reached a season-high of 99%. Following the bye, things cooled a bit, adjusting to 96%, but after dismantling the Dallas Cowboys 47-9 in Week 6, it’ll be interesting to see where fans confidence land.

Of course, fans will surely factor in their disappointment in losing the NFL’s sacks and pressures leader, Aidan Hutchinson, to injured reserve, but it’s worth pointing out that the Lions’ defense did perform well when forced to adjust. Plus, we have yet to see how the Lions will redistribute his snaps, leaving lots to consider.

And that brings up to our second question—With Aidan Hutchinson on IR, who is the Lions’ most important defender?—which has multiple answers to choose from:

• Alim McNeill — fresh off a newly signed 4-year contract extension
• Alex Anzalone — long-time team leader and captain
• Carlton Davis — if the pressures dip, the pressure will then be on him to execute
• Brian Branch — recorded two interceptions and a forced fumble in Week 6
• Kerby Joseph — four interceptions in five games, all coming in the end zone

If you don’t like any of the options available, feel free to write your choice in the comments section below. Alright, it’s time to vote in the polls below, and keep an eye out later in the week for the results.