On Monday we talked about the five biggest things we learned about the Detroit Lions through the first two weeks of training camp. One of them was about the Lions looking like they're going to carry three quarterbacks into the season.
The big thing is that Hendon Hooker looks like he needs more time to develop into the NFL game. He has had a lot of struggles that he's working through. One of the big ones is navigating the pocket and knowing when to get rid of the ball. He's holding on too long and it's resulting in sacks or checking down for short yardage or losses.
Then there's occasions where he looks like he's trying to fix that problem by going too fast and he's throwing interceptions or overthrowing receivers. It's not to say that he's a bust or anything like that, but it is saying that he needs more time and because of that, he could wind up being the QB3 this season.
Lions' head coach Dan Campbell poured some gas on the fire of the idea that he needs more time on Monday when he talked with media in New Jersey and was asked about the benefit of joint practices for Hooker.
"Honestly, nothing. He just needs reps. And it doesn't matter if it's us or it's them or it's a game, he just needs reps and reps and reps. When he goes to bed, he needs reps, and he wakes up and he needs reps. And so anytime he can be out there and run the offense and function. It's going to be good for him."
It's hard not to take that any other way than saying he needs time on task. That's something the Lions preach about a lot. Lions' offensive coordinator Ben Johnson has used the phrase "time on task" a lot in the past few years. Specifically with Jameson Williams.
Hooker and Williams have a similar entry into league with both players coming in with an injury and missing most of their first season. That second year was all about getting in reps in practice and then getting into the game here and there. Now in year three Williams is ready to flourish. Hooker may need the same type of path before the team can look at him and feel comfortable that he's their QB 2 and they can rely on him if need be.
That's not set in stone. Anything can happen. Hooker could hit a gear this summer and look phenomenal the rest of camp and in the preseason and then he could earn that role right away. But as it stands right now, time on task is what he needs.
Related: The Lions should explore trading player that's having a great camp, but doesn't fit the roster
Most Popular
Comments / 0