Dan Campbell’s official announcement of the arrival of this much-anticipated game-changer caused a complete shutdown of the Detroit Lions, leaving the club and supporters in utter joy.
With Teddy Bridgewater, the backup from the previous season, now retired, Sudfeld provides veteran depth behind starting quarterback Jared Goff.
The Return of Nate Sudfeld to Detroit
Despite not seeing any action in 2016, Sudfeld entered the league as a sixth-round selection of the Washington Commanders. He played in four games and completed 25 of 37 passes for 188 yards with one touchdown and one interception during his four seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles.
He signed with the Lions in August 2022, and quarterbacks coach Mark Brunell gave him credit for his meticulousness.
According to the Detroit News, Brunell stated, “I talked about the preparation and being ready to go if called upon, the time he put in.” When it came to working with Jared and watching the tape together before our games, he was fantastic. Then he was fantastic on game day. Furthermore, it is crucial for a starter to have a backup person in the conference room or on the sidelines who genuinely wants to see Jared succeed.
According to Jeff Risdon of USA Today’s Lions Wire, Sudfeld’s contract would indicate that the Lions have decided on their quarterback depth chart for the next campaign.
Before the 2024 NFL draft, Risdon stated, “Signing Sudfeld now could be a strong indication that the Lions are satisfied with the quarterback room as-is.”
The New Role of Hendon Hooker
Even though Hooker missed much of his rookie season recovering from an ACL tear that ended his final season at Tennessee, the Lions have also held him in high regard.
Speaking at the NFL Combine last month, Lions head coach Dan Campbell praised Hooker’s effort but acknowledged that it was tough to give a comprehensive assessment of him given his little playing time.
According to USA Today’s Lions Wire, Campbell remarked, “Man, I would say it’s hard because he was coming off the injury and didn’t get to play.” “However, by the end of the year, let’s say he had three months of practice time, and he did a lot of scout team work, learning a lot from Jared Goff and Teddy Bridgewater, seven-on-sevens, and a few good-on-good team reps.”
However, Campbell noted that Hooker made some noticeable progress throughout the season.
“I can only say that there has been growth. Growth was evident,” Campbell added. And that’s heartening. Right now, that’s all we have to ask for. We still don’t really understand who he is, in my opinion. The evidence is insufficient. But I am aware that progress was made. That’s precisely what we’re searching for.
