The Detroit Lions' backup quarterback battle got off to a rocky start with both Kyle Allen and Hendon Hooker looking equally awful in the opener. However, Allen remedied this in his next opportunity, lighting it up and looking to be a capable backup option. Hooker didn't follow this path, fumbling twice and getting benched by head coach Dan Campbell.
Campbell had a simple message that the backup had to protect the ball better, making his frustration obvious. This is more than fair after the first fumble, giving the quarterback a reason for a sense of urgency. Being unable to protect the ball in the same half was a red flag and a reminder of how raw of a prospect the quarterback is. Add in the fact that he appears to trust his legs far more than he should, and it is easy to wonder if the Lions should seek out an improvement.
Allen has done enough in camp and in the second preseason game to have a clear edge behind Jared Goff. This leaves Hooker as the emergency option, with Detroit only carrying three quarterbacks. Options remaining on the market include accomplished starter and current backup Carson Wentz.
The Lions Might be Forced to Part Ways with Struggling Quarterback Hendon Hooker
It is easy to form an argument that the Lions should sign Wentz and part ways with Hooker, demoting Allen to the emergency quarterback role. While Wentz might lack the developmental upside of Hooker, it is a safer option to have in case of injury. We watched Detroit make a similar move in the season last year, bringing in Teddy Bridgewater ahead of an attempted playoff run.
Bridgewater gave you security that you could still run a capable offense if Goff needed to miss a handful of snaps. This came into play in Detroit's lone playoff game, with the veteran quarterback handling the moment. It is a train of thought that demands the Lions attempt to find an upgrade and understand Hooker simply isn't meeting the standard.
For this to change, the quarterback is going to need to be consistent in camp and show more than just a flash in the final two preseason games. Detroit needs to have far more positive tape if they are going to move forward with the duo behind the Lions' star quarterback. Hooker is on the clock, and if things don't quickly change, the Lions will be forced to make a difficult choice.