Detroit Lions: Ranking the top 10 quarterbacks in franchise history

5.) Greg Landry

The Lions’ first-round draft pick in 1968 was one of the early dual-threat quarterbacks in the NFL. At a time when quarterbacks were expected to stay in the pocket and make good passes, Landry has the athleticism to tuck the ball under his arm and get positive yards.

From 1968-1978 Landry was the primary signal-caller for the Lions. Unfortunately, under his guidance, they only made one trip to the playoffs in 1970.

And, ironically enough, had a chance to beat the Cowboys in Dallas to advance to the NFC championship game, but the Lions offense went into hibernation and they lost by a sickening score of 5-0.

Landry is also the answer to the question of who was the last Lions quarterback before Matthew Stafford to go to the Pro Bowl as Landry was elected to the 1971 game, 44 years before Stafford in 2015.

Landry was gifted and smart, but he was simply unable to raise the level of play by his teammates to give Detroit a legitimate shot at being a true contender.