Detroit Lions Bubble Players to Watch Against Bills

Aug 9, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Kellen Moore (17) throws a pass in the third quarter of a preseason game against the New York Jets at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Kellen Moore

Against the New England Patriots, Kellen Moore posted perhaps his best performance as an NFL player. In the second half of that game, he went 9-for-12 for 150 yards and two touchdowns.

His arm looks stronger, he looks confident, and his decision-making is better. In short, he’s realizing the upside that made the Lions keep him around last season.

But just because Moore is improved, that doesn’t mean he’s ready, or consistent. The Lions would cringe to have to start Moore in a regular season game right now, improved or no. Every one of a team’s 53 roster spots is precious,  and as good as Moore looked against New England, he can reverse it if he flops against Buffalo.

Moore probably isn’t going to be anybody’s starting quarterback at any point, but he has the makings of a good backup. One of the hallmarks of a good backup is solid consistency, and that’s exactly what he needs to show against the Bills to confirm his spot on the team. Otherwise the decision to keep him gets harder than it needs to be.