Hall of Fame game will offer added opportunity for Lions to evaluate backup QB battle, Hooker's development

(Getty Images)

Allen Park — Being selected for the NFL’s Hall of Fame game can be more of an annoyance than an honor. The participants in the preseason opener in Canton, Ohio, have their summers cut a few days short and are required to play in a fourth preseason game, while the rest of the league's teams participate in the now-standard three exhibition matchups.

But the opportunity isn’t without its positives. For players battling for roster and practice squad spots, it’s another chance to showcase their abilities. The added evaluation period is also beneficial for team decision-makers, who can conduct a more thorough assessment of player development and competition for those jobs.

Both are true with the Detroit Lions’ pending backup quarterback battle, where the incumbent, Hendon Hooker, is being tasked with fending off incoming veteran Kyle Allen for the role.

“A lot of veterans (see) an extra preseason game and it's, 'Ugh.' But for the quarterback position, I love it,” Lions quarterback coach Mark Brunell said. “I love it that Hendon and Kyle will be getting more reps, more game time, so it allows you to evaluate more. It allows those guys to have more opportunities to move the team. I'm thrilled about that. That'll be really good for us.”

Hooker, a third-round pick in 2023, needed every bit of last year’s preseason to prove he was ready to serve as Jared Goff’s backup. In the team's final two preseason contests, against Kansas City and Pittsburgh, he completed 24-of-35 for 264 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Equally important to beating out Nate Sudfeld, Hooker ran for 93 yards on 10 carries in the finale against the Steelers.

But the team brought Hooker’s preparedness into question later in the season, re-signing Teddy Bridgewater to be the team’s backup in the postseason. The Lions have continued to express confidence in Hooker’s development and abilities publicly, but signing Allen showed the job won't be gifted back to Hooker.

“He's been on multiple teams, different systems,” Brunell said about Allen. “(He's) very smart. What I loved about the tape that we saw, he made good decisions with the ball. He managed very well. You could tell he was operating within whatever offense that he was in. Just has a good grasp on how to play at this level and has for a while. In our room, again — I think we've talked about it before — being a resource for Jared (is key). Always being ready, that's at the top of the list, if necessary. But being a good resource for Jared; another set of eyes.”

Obviously, no team wants to be without its starter. However, former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson said he needs a backup able to keep the team afloat when called upon. They don’t have to execute at Goff’s level, but the Lions would need calmness, efficiency, and minimal mistakes to navigate potentially choppy waters in those moments.

"It's, obviously, having a grasp of our offense,” Brunell said. “Being able to manage that, getting in and out of the huddle. We do have some new concepts in the passing game, some things we're doing a little differently. Understanding the intent of every passing play and understanding our protections really well. And, then, when we get to the OTAs (and) we're on the field competing against our defense, just being able to execute, making good decisions with the ball, taking care of the ball, no turnovers.

“Also, specifically, and really what I look for, is just being really good with your fundamentals,” Brunell said. “Then, in the preseason, obviously, once we get out in the games, and then maybe we have an opportunity to compete against other teams in practice: Moving the ball, moving your team, executing, playing at a high level.”

Strong fundamentals and schematic understanding, even if this particular system is new to Allen, are areas where the veteran can push Hooker. The younger quarterback battled numerous issues with his accuracy and decision-making last offseason, exacerbated by a thumb injury on his throwing hand, before settling down late to win the job.

“It's a new opportunity for him, a new year,” Brunell said. “Another year of growth. Remember, what is this, Year 3? He's a puppy. He's still young. Does he have a lot to grow? Yeah. There are some things that we've got to work on, but that's the same case for every other young guy that's going into his third season. There are a lot of things to work on.

“Just being around Kyle, as well, there's things that we've got to work on with him,” Brunell continued. “There's things that Jared needs to work on. Hendon is no different than the other guys. There's areas that you have to focus on, but he's doing an excellent job. Every year, he is just going to get better. We've already seen it in just the couple of weeks that we've been on the field. He's throwing the ball better, his footwork is better. And he understands there are concepts. This has been really good for him. And, as we go, the kid, because of his focus and his attitude and his work ethic, he's naturally just going to become a better quarterback. When he gets out there in preseason, I imagine he's going to get a lot of reps, and you'll see a better version of him than you did last year. I'm excited about that. I'm really pleased with Hendon."