Detroit Lions Training Camp: Top Five Position Battles
By Alex Reno
Aug 10, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Kellen Moore (17) in a huddle with teammates during the first half of a preseason game against the Cleveland Browns at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
#3: Third-String Quarterback
Under Jim Schwartz, the Detroit Lions were used to carrying three quarterbacks on their roster. With the Indianapolis Colts, Jim Caldwell would switch between keeping either two or three quarterbacks on the roster at times. When asked about his preference of how many quarterbacks he would like to keep, he had this to say:
"“It’s tough to go into these days, this day and age, with the way in which our game is, without a third quarterback. It’s tough. I mean, it’s difficult, but like I said, I’ve had a couple places where we’ve had a couple ironmen. We carried two and had one on the practice squad, but we’ll see what happens.”"
Matthew Stafford will yet again be the unquestioned starter for the Detroit Lions, but the backup and third-string roles are up for grabs. At this stage of the offseason it’s looks like Dan Orlovsky will end up being the backup quarterback judging by the amount of snaps he’s received in OTAs and mini-camps.
Kellen Moore has an edge over UDFA James Franklin for the third spot as of now due to his experience, but Franklin will have every chance during preseason to get his shot at the third and final spot if the Lions choose to keep 3 quarterbacks.
Early Prediction: Matthew Stafford, Dan Orlovsky, Kellen Moore