The Detroit Lions may have officially found their backup quarterback after the preseason Week 2 game against the Kansas City Chiefs, as Hendon Hooker once again outplayed Nate Sudfeld in the 24-23 win.
Hooker completed 12-of-15 passes for 150 yards and added a rushing touchdown. He finished with an impressive QB rating of 108.3 and led the Lions on three scoring drives (one touchdown, two field goals), one of which was the game-winner.
Not to mention, after throwing incompletions on his first two passes, Hooker, who played the entire second half, completed 12 of his final 13 throws to finish the game strong.
Meanwhile, Sudfeld completed 14-of-27 passes for 196 yards and one touchdown to one interception. The veteran signal-caller was better than he was the week prior and also led the Lions on three scoring drives (one touchdown, two field goals), but it wasn't enough to outdo Hooker.
Both quarterbacks had a turnover. Sudfeld's pick was a terrible decision, and Hooker lost a fumble on a handoff in the red zone. However, Hooker's bad exchange came after a high snap that definitely played a part in the mistake.
Not only did Hooker put up great numbers, he also looked the part. The second-year signal-caller showed poise in the pocket and made accurate throws. He made a clear step forward after a solid showing in preseason Week 1.
After the game, many Lions fans had seen enough and believe Detroit has its guy for the backup job behind Jared Goff.
Lions found their backup quarterback (Hendon Hooker) and their kicker (Jake Bates). That's my take and I'm sticking to it.
— Bob Wojnowski (@bobwojnowski) August 17, 2024
Hendon Hooker for QB2 and it’s NOT CLOSE. #OnePride
— Natalie Sparbeck (@NatSparbeck) August 17, 2024
Bates our kicker, Hendon Hooker our QB2, let’s start the season https://t.co/pWpsWs3xMq
— Cam Dolla (@driveboylaflare) August 17, 2024
I love Hendon Hooker, I love Jake Bates, I love the Detroit Lions baby #OnePride
— Eazy (@SpeakEZsports_) August 17, 2024
1. Hendon Hooker should undoubtedly be the backup QB for this football team
— PellandSports (@PellandSports) August 17, 2024
2. Jake Bates has that dawg in em