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Five questions the Detroit Lions need to answer against the Giants

By Zack Moran

Ezekiel Ansah of the Detroit Lions watches the final seconds of the clock run down during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Ford Field on January 1, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. Green Bay defeated Detroit 31-24. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
Ezekiel Ansah of the Detroit Lions watches the final seconds of the clock run down during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Ford Field on January 1, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. Green Bay defeated Detroit 31-24. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – AUGUST 12: Jake Rudock #14 of the Detroit Lions warms up before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 12, 2016 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – AUGUST 12: Jake Rudock #14 of the Detroit Lions warms up before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 12, 2016 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

5. Will the backup quarterback play improve?

To put it lightly, Matt Cassel and Jake Rudock did not play their best football last week. In a game, where Matthew Stafford did not see a snap, it was time for one of them to pull ahead for the backup QB spot. More than likely we might not see Stafford for more than one series, if at all, in their game against the Giants. Once again, it’ll be on the shoulders of Cassel and Rudock.

Most people would’ve had Rudock ahead of Cassel before the start of training camp because of his scheme familiarity. The issues that have plagued Rudock are still causing concerns. Lack of arm strength, inconsistent accuracy, and progression problems. He needs to show improvement in these areas or he will keep falling behind.

Cassel has 13 years of experience and four of them was with New England with Bob Quinn and Matt Patricia. Both of them know what Cassel is capable of and what he has to offer. He brings a veteran presence that is invaluable in the QB room. Cassel is still learning the system, but expect to see improvements as the preseason moves along. By the sounds of it, Cassel has the edge on the backup spot.

Stafford might see some snaps, but some think it’ll be better to not let him play. We all know what the Lions have in Stafford. What they don’t know is who is going to back him up. Hopefully, we can see some improvements from Cassel and Rudock and settle it once and for all.

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