“It’s hard to believe that Nate Sudfeld is the perfect backup for Jared Goff” by Terry Foster

Everything the Detroit Lions touch seems to turn into gold.

However, there is one story line the team is trying to push that makes me feel uneasy. The Lions have repeatedly said that Nate Sudfeld is the perfect backup for starting quarterback Jared Goff.

“He (Sudfeld) was perfect,” said Lions quarterback coach Mark Brunell. “I talked about the preparation and being ready to go if called up, the time that he has put in. He was great leading up to our games, as far as working with Jared and watching tape together. And then on game day he was excellent.”

The question the Lions don’t want to find out is how “excellent” would Sudfeld be if he were asked to replace Goff for a series of games or even just for one series.

Sudfeld has not thrown a pass in a regular season game since he passed for 32 yards and one interception for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2020. He’s only played in six career games, having thrown for 188 yards, one touchdown and one pick.

I find it hard to believe this guy is perfect for Goff. Maybe the Lions view him as a try hard guy who does not rock the boat and is willing to wait his turn. Detroit is a town that almost always pushes for the backup to start. However, the Lions never have to worry about fans pushing for Sudfeld.

However, there is something deeper going on with Sudfeld. The Lions have been so impressed with him that General Manager Brad Holmes scrapped plans to sign a veteran back up for Goff. Rookie Hendon Hooker is being “redshirted” and may never see the field in 2023.

That means Lions fans must pray for 17 games of perfect health for Goff. Or they must put their faith in Lions coaches and hope they are not blowing smoke up our asses.

“I love where we’re at,” Brunell said. “I absolutely love where we’re at.”

Last season the team wanted David Blough or Tim Boyle to show they were competent backup QBs. Of course that never happened.

None of this matters if Goff remains healthy. He was ranked the eighth best starting QB by NFL.com. However, the Lions drop to 16th when the entire quarterback room is factored in.

___

For more from the author Terry Foster, check him out on Twitter here: @terryfosterdet

Tweet: @WoodwoodSports or comment Detroit Lions on your favorite social media platform!