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

Defense should be the top priority

Despite Matthew Stafford being very vocal about wanting to get back on the field this year if possible, the Lions need to keep him on the bench with an eye towards next season. There is nothing left to play for and no need to risk further injury to him. This leaves the door open to allow the franchise to find out what they actually have with David Blough.

There is absolutely no doubt that Blough, since we pretty much know who Jeff Driskel is, has earned an opportunity to show not only if he belongs, but if he has a real future in the NFL.

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When the Lions acquired Blough, I was actually quite intrigued after seeing how well he played against the Lions in the exhibition finale. However, I didn’t expect to see him on the field until the 2020 exhibition season, like everyone else.

But on Thanksgiving, he displayed the one trait that is the hardest to find in a quarterback; poise.

Sure he had ups and downs, but as I watched him it never seemed like the game was too big for him. It seemed like he was able to keep himself under control and get just about as much as he could out of the Lions offense.

In the grand scheme of things, what does that mean? It may mean the difference in what the Lions do with their first-round draft pick next April.

First of all, if Quinn and Patricia are back they will be using the draft to get this team over the hump and hopefully fulfill the promise of becoming contenders no matter what. But if a new regime is given the keys to the franchise what would they do?

Given Matthew Stafford’s back issues between last season and this one, not to mention 11 years of NFL service, what new regime isn’t going to use a high draft pick to find their quarterback of the future? But what if Blough does get to play out the final four games and performs well while displaying the confidence, good decision-making, and poise needed to win in the NFL?

Then perhaps the door would be open to addressing the defense as the priority it should be. Especially on the defensive line and finding another piece or two for the offensive line.

Running back Bo Scarbrough has made the most of his opportunities so far to give him a chance to possibly be a part of the Lions one-two punch with Kerryon Johnson in the backfield next season. Similarly, Blough playing well just might be the difference from completely blowing up this team if a new regime is put in charge.

David Blough has only played in one game and we shouldn’t make too much of what he did, but he has earned an opportunity to show everyone what he can do over the final four weeks of the season. With the right results, maybe the Lions will have at least finally found a capable backup for Matthew Stafford. Beyond that, only time will tell.