Could David Blough’s play change the Detroit Lions offseason itinerary?

Meet David Blough

When the news came out that third-string quarterback David Blough would be starting for the Detroit Lions in their annual Thanksgiving Day game, most fans resigned themselves to another pathetic loss. The rookie free-agent from Purdue who had signed with Cleveland last spring than was acquired by Detroit before the start of this season would be getting his first NFL experience on national television against a good Chicago Bears defense.

Needless to say, getting a win, under those circumstances, seemed like a lot to ask of the Lions young passer.

However, something almost magical happened after the Lions immediately fell behind 7-0. Blough fired a 75-yard touchdown to Kenny Golladay on only his second pro pass and it was followed shortly by a second touchdown pass to Marvin Jones.

Now the Bears defense did gain traction and was able to keep Blough under control for a while, but after Detroit’s 17-7 lead disappeared in the fourth quarter leaving the Lions behind 24-20, Blough was able to put together what could have been a game-winning drive.

There were no moral victories in the wake of a loss that officially eliminated the Lions from playoff contention. Their season is basically done and for the second straight year, the Bob Quinn and Matt Patricia regime have failed to live up to the standard that Quinn set for himself and Patricia when he fired Jim Caldwell.

Martha Firestone Ford will make a decision about their collective future after the season. However, it will mean little if she decides to clean house and doesn’t hire the right people to run this franchise. After all John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan had a horrible first year together in San Francisco last season, but only one year later they have surprised everyone at 10-1 and possessing one of the best defenses in the NFL.

Could the same thing happen next season for Bob Quinn and Matt Patricia if they return? Maybe, but whether it’s Quinn and Patricia at the helm or someone else, one decision just may have been made for them.