With the arrival of Teddy Bridgewater, Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell tried to maintain a facade of competition to backup Jared Goff. As the incumbent, with experience in the offense, Nate Sudfeld had the tentative equity to be allowed to compete for the job.
Bridgewater started Saturday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, and played most of the first half. The results weren't great, as the Lions failed to score and Bridgewater went just 5-for-11 for 34 yards with a 52.8 passer rating. But for the new Lions' signal caller, it wasn't about results as much as simply getting some work in a new offense. In short, a preseason game in name and function for a veteran quarterback.
How much or whenever he played on Saturday, Sudfeld had to play well. Two interceptions in the preseason opener made a clean game mandatory.
Nate Sudfeld has ended the No. 2 quarterback competition for the Lions
Sudfeld came into Saturday's game late in the first half. On his fourth pass attempt, he sailed a throw over the middle of the field.
Nate Sudfeld has thrown an interception in BOTH preseason games now #OnePride pic.twitter.com/Yt677PZHwF
— Woodward Sports Network (@woodwardsports) August 19, 2023
Sudfeld led a touchdown drive to open the second half, as he completed four of five passes, including the score to Chase Cota. But for all practical purposes, the "competition" to be Goff's backup is officially over.
Nate Sudfeld evaluation
— DetroitSportsPodcast (@DetroitPodcast) August 19, 2023
Probably over. Interception and crowd groans loudly
As has been the case with Nate Sudfeld often this summer, he's pretty good except when he's not, and then it's really bad. Awful INT, high and behind his target over the middle. Gregory Junior with the pick and a healthy return to set up the Jaguars in the red zone
— Jeff Risdon (@JeffRisdon) August 19, 2023
Detroit Lions: Nate Sudfeld has officially ended the competition to backup Jared Goff
Regardless of what he does over the remainder of his time in the game on Saturday, Sudfeld has fully shown himself if it wasn't clear before. There's a reason he has never started a regular season game since being drafted in 2016. There's a reason he was available for the Lions to pivot to when they let David Blough and Tim Boyle go late last preseason. He's simply a fringe NFL quarterback, barely worthy of a spot on 53-man roster. And if you have options to replace him, you take them without consequence.
It's harsh to call someone's job into question. But there's a chance Sudfeld is not on the Lions' roster by this time on Monday, even it means signing another quarterback to get through the preseason finale.