Detroit Lions camp is right around the corner and this week I will be breaking the team down position by position on offense to see where each group currently stands.
There is plenty of work ahead for the Detroit Lions this offseason. The head coach, Matt Patricia, is instilling his vision for the team, a new defensive scheme is being installed, physical and mental preparation for the rigors of a 16 game NFL regular season are underway, and there’s a laundry list of additional tasks that are yet to be accomplished.
There should not be many dull moments around the team headquarters in Allen Park, MI. Developing talent and evaluating the roster are two virtually never-ending duties for a coaching staff and training camp provides ample opportunities for both.
Please join me as I go through the offensive roster and offer up my thoughts on probable starters and likely position battles.
Quarterbacks:
Matthew Stafford (starter): 10th year
Jake Rudock: 3rd year
Matt Cassel: 14th year
There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that the Detroit Lions are in good hands at the quarterback position with Matthew Stafford.
His leadership, toughness, and moxie are all unquestioned at this point of his career and with another year under the tutelage of offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter, we could see Stafford elevate his game to near MVP levels as long as he stays healthy for the duration of the season.
The only real mystery with this group is who will be Stafford’s understudy? Throughout OTAs, Rudock and Cassel both alternated reps with the second unit.
Though Cassel offers Matt Patricia a familiar face from their time together with the New England Patriots, I honestly feel like Rudock’s youth and command over this offense gives him the edge he needs in order to out-duel Cassel as the number 2 quarterback.