Detroit Lions Camp Battle Preview: Backup QB
By Jeff Risdon
Detroit Lions training camp opens in a little over a week, kicking off July 29th at team HQ in Allen Park. Several roster spots are up for grabs, one of which is a battle in which we hope the winner never actually sees the field in meaningful action.
That would be the backup to Matthew Stafford at quarterback. Veteran Dan Orlovsky and sixth-round rookie Jake Rudock are vying for the No. 2 QB role.
Orlvosky has many advantages in his factor:
- 11 years of NFL experience
- 12 career starts
- 3 years working under Head Coach Jim Caldwell
- A half-season in Jim Bob Cooter’s offense
- Acceptance of his role
Now about those years of experience…
Orlovsky is best-known for running out of the back of the end zone to cost the 2008 Lions their best chance at a victory.
His career record is 2-10 as a starter, with a 15/13 touchdown-to-interception ratio. Last year he got extensive playing time in one game, the debacle in Arizona that marks the low point in the mercifully brief Joe Lombardi offensive reign of ineptitude. Orlovsky was 21-for-38 for 191 yards, with a TD and an INT in the 42-17 loss.
That was his first meaningful action since 2011 in Indianapolis. Caldwell was the Head Coach and Jim Bob Cooter was his Special Offensive Assistant, and Orlovsky was third-string behind Kerry Collins and then Curtis Painter. When both of those guys failed miserably, Dan-O came in and mopped up a couple of late-season wins to help those Colts avoid matching his old Lions in achieving the winless season.
Last year in training camp and preseason I was almost embarrassed to watch Orlovsky and call him the definite No. 2 behind Stafford. He’s just not very good at playing quarterback. It’s nothing personal; he’s an affable, bright guy who lovingly plays with his kids after practices. But for years the competition has been limp-armed Kellen Moore and a cavalcade of guys that couldn’t even make practice squads (James Franklin anyone?).
Now he faces a test in battling Rudock, who is the first quarterback the Lions have drafted since selecting Stafford back in 2009. The front office has a legit investment in the Michigan Man.
The early returns certainly favor Orlovsky. Check this note from last month’s minicamp…
Lmfao this dude called Jake Rudock the worst pick of the decade😂 pic.twitter.com/MIgcQTX5Gu
— The Antagonist (@reecechadima13) June 17, 2016
Rudock started slow for the Wolverines last year, too. Fans were calling for the Iowa transfer’s benching into October before he mastered Jim Harbaugh’s offense and found comfort with his new teammates. I personally watched the cerebral, engaging Rudock take big steps from day to day during Shrine Game practices back in January. He cemented his draft-ability there in St. Pete, and his work in the interview room certainly helped.
The odds still strongly favor Orlovsky, but a strong preseason could convince Caldwell that Rudock deserves to be the guy. I don’t see that happening but am open to it.
The more likely outcome is Orlovsky underwhelms but still manages to keep the job based on his familiarity and experience. Rudock is battling for a roster spot, trying to convince the Lions to keep three QBs and not relegate him to the practice squad for his rookie campaign.