Detroit Lions: 4 positions to watch against the Cleveland Browns
QUARTERBACK
Cutting quarterback Jake Rudock for veteran quarterback Matt Cassel makes little sense. Rudock could still be placed on the practice squad this season, but would probably be signed immediately. Cassel, on the other hand, may not find another job.
During the CBS telecast against Tampa Bay, color analyst Bruce Arians even believed that Cassel’s familiarity with head coach Matt Patricia would win him the job. But what about Rudock’s familiarity with Bob Quinn? Or the current offense? And with Stafford?
Rudock was capable of preparing Stafford last season. There is no reason to believe he can’t be even better at it this season. Plus, Rudock has more potential because he is more than a decade younger than Cassel.
Keeping three quarterbacks would be crazy, and absolutely unnecessary. The Detroit Lions have too many hard decisions at other positions (like running back, wide receiver, and tight end) to even consider a third quarterback.
If Stafford goes down, the season is over. That’s why he’s the franchise guy. It’s better to have young talent behind him because that would be worth evaluation. Cassel is not going to come in and win games. He’s not that guy anymore.
FINAL THOUGHTS
One quick thing on the defensive side of the ball: what is happening? What this defense will be this year is very unclear. There is plenty of talent with the defensive backs, although the second cornerback spot across from Darius Slay is still a question mark. But with proper pressure on the quarterback, the secondary could certainly have a good year.
That brings us to the front seven, where questions abound. There is unproven depth behind the starters. And most of the hope for success is pinned on scheme playing a role in effectiveness. The start of this season could be ugly defensively, at least until these new schemes really take hold.
The preseason provided no answers when it came to scheme because Detroit showed very little in their game plans. Matt Patricia will be afforded time. But if this season turns out to be a catastrophe, Quinn’s decision to fire head coach Jim Caldwell will be questioned.
dark. Next. The Detroit Lions All-Time Defensive Team
The Detroit Lions need to be smart as they cut down to a 53-man roster this Saturday. The back end of the roster is very important, especially considering the perceived notion that depth will play a huge role in the defensive schemes.
One more injury-free game on Thursday will be nice finish to exhibition. But what the future holds when the games begin to count, that’s anyone’s guess.