Most sacks in an NFL game: Where Aiden Hutchinson’s monster day vs. Buccaneers ranks on all-time list

Baker Mayfield is going to have nightmares about Aiden Hutchinson. 

The Buccaneers quarterback knows all too well the weapon that is the Lions defensive end. During the two teams’ divisional matchup in 2023, Hutchinson wrapped up Mayfield once en route to the Detroit win, knocking Tampa Bay out of the playoffs. 

The Lions and Bucs are meeting in a rematch of the postseason contest in Week 2, and Hutchinson is already reminding Mayfield of what he’s capable of. The No. 2 pick in the 2022 draft had a monster performance in the contest in Motor City, getting after the quarterback multiple times in the first half, and again in the second. 

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With his torrent pace to start the game, it begged the question — what is the most sacks recorded in a game by a single player?

Here’s what to know about Hutchinson’s sack output and where it ranks among the best single-game outings in NFL history.

How many sacks does Aiden Hutchinson have vs. Buccaneers?In the Week 2 loss to the Buccaneers, Hutchinson recorded five sacks — three coming in the first quarter, and two more in the second half. 

His first one was a clutch play in the red zone on the opening drive of the game. With Mayfield and the Bucs facing a third-and-goal, Hutchinson cut to the middle to get to the quarterback. His hit forced the ball out of Mayfield’s hands, however, Tampa Bay recovered the loose ball to keep possession. Still, the sack forced the Bucs to settle for a field goal. 

9⃣7⃣ with the third-down sack in the red zone❗️#TBvsDET | 📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/f1JGK0N675

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) September 15, 2024On the very next Buccaneers’ drive, Hutchinson once again beat the offensive line to get his arms on the quarterback. On second-and-11, Hutchinson beat Tampa Bay tackle Justin Skule to get to Mayfield, forcing the Bucs back into their own territory. 

Sack No. 2 on the day for @aidanhutch97 😤#TBvsDET | 📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/kCuqIV0aUx

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) September 15, 2024Hutchinson came through again on third down during Tampa Bay’s next possession. The Detroit star used his speed to get around Skule, once again bringing Mayfield to the ground, this time forcing a punt. 

Hat Trick Hutch#TBvsDET | 📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/NCJrR802PP

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) September 15, 2024The 2023 Pro Bowler wasn’t done after the hat trick. Hutchinson once again brought Mayfield to the turf in the third quarter, once again on a third down to force a punt. Even with Tampa Bay running back Rachaad White giving Skule help on the right side of the offensive line, it wasn’t enough to contain the Detroit sensation. 

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) September 15, 2024Hutchinson made it a handful during the fourth quarter, and stop me if you’ve heard this before — it came on fourth down. Mayfield attempted to scramble after the pocket closed on third-and-7, but he was unable to get past the line of scrimmage before Hutchinson grabbed him by his ankles. 

High 🖐️ @aidanhutch97❗️#TBvsDET | 📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/iCnk1EdeGF

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) September 15, 2024Most sacks in an NFL gameFormer Chiefs linebacker Derrick Thomas owns the NFL single-game sack record. He recorded a league-high seven in a 1990 game against the Seahawks.

Thomas’ record of seven sacks has held up for over three decades now. Chargers linebacker Khalil Mack flirted with the mark last year, but fell just short with six in a game against the Raiders. He became just the second player in NFL history to have multiple games with at least five sacks, with Thomas being the only other player to achieve that feat.

Below is a look at the 15 individuals who have posted at least five sacks in a single NFL game since the stat was first officially recorded in 1982.

RankPlayerTeamOpponentYearTotal sacks1Derrick ThomasChiefsSeahawks199072Khalil MackChargersRaiders20236 Adrian ClaybornFalconsCowboys20176 Osi UmenyioraGiantsEagles20076 Derrick ThomasChiefsRaiders19986 Fred Dean49ersSaints198367Aldon Smith49ersBears20125.5 William GayLionsBuccaneers19835.59Aiden HutchinsonLionsBuccaneers20245 Chandler JonesCardinalsTitans20215 Haason ReddickCardinalsGiants20205 Khalil MackRaidersBroncos20155 Antwan OdomBengalsPackers20095 Vonnie HollidayPackersBills20025 Chuck SmithFalconsSaints19975 Gary JeterRamsRaiders19885 Leslie O’NealChargersCowboys19865 Jim JeffcoatCowboysWashington19855 Randy HollowayVikingsFalcons19845 Howie LongRaidersWashington19835