The Detroit Lions have a long and storied history when it comes to quarterbacks. From the legendary Bobby Layne to the modern-day Matthew Stafford, the Lions have had their fair share of ups and downs at the position. In this article, we will take a closer look at the Lions' starting quarterbacks since 1992. We will explore the highs and lows, the successes and failures, and everything in between. So, sit back, relax, and join us on this journey through time.
The Early Years: 1992-2000
The Lions entered the 1992 season with high hopes, as they had just drafted quarterback Rodney Peete out of USC. Peete started all 16 games that season, throwing for 3,214 yards and 15 touchdowns. He led the Lions to a 9-7 record and a wild-card berth in the playoffs. However, the Lions lost in the first round to the Washington Redskins.
Peete continued to be the Lions' starter for the next few seasons, but injuries and inconsistent play led to him being replaced by Scott Mitchell in 1994. Mitchell had a career year in 1995, throwing for 4,338 yards and 32 touchdowns. He led the Lions to a 10-6 record and a wild-card berth. However, the Lions lost in the first round of the playoffs yet again, this time to the Philadelphia Eagles. Mitchell continued to be the Lions' starter until 1998, when he was replaced by Charlie Batch.
The Batch Years: 1998-2001
Charlie Batch was drafted by the Lions in the second round of the 1998 NFL Draft. He started seven games as a rookie, throwing for 1,610 yards and 11 touchdowns. He continued to be the Lions' starter for the next few seasons, but injuries and inconsistent play led to him being replaced by Gus Frerotte in 2001.
The Joey Harrington Era: 2002-2005
The Lions selected Joey Harrington with the third overall pick in the 2002 NFL Draft. Harrington started all 16 games as a rookie, throwing for 2,294 yards and 12 touchdowns. He continued to be the Lions' starter for the next few seasons, but inconsistent play and a lack of success led to him being replaced by Jeff Garcia in 2005.
The Garcia Experiment: 2005-2006
Jeff Garcia signed with the Lions in 2005 after spending the previous season with the Cleveland Browns. He started 10 games that season, throwing for 1,878 yards and 10 touchdowns. However, the Lions finished with a 5-11 record and Garcia was released after the season. He was replaced by Jon Kitna in 2006.
The Kitna Years: 2006-2008
Jon Kitna signed with the Lions in 2006 after spending the previous season with the Dallas Cowboys. He started all 16 games that season, throwing for 4,208 yards and 21 touchdowns. However, the Lions finished with a 3-13 record. Kitna continued to be the Lions' starter for the next two seasons, but injuries and inconsistent play led to him being replaced by Dan Orlovsky in 2008.
The Orlovsky Experiment: 2008-2009
Dan Orlovsky was drafted by the Lions in the fifth round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He started seven games in 2008, throwing for 1,616 yards and eight touchdowns. However, the Lions finished with a 0-16 record, becoming the first team in NFL history to go winless in a 16-game season. Orlovsky was released after the season and was replaced by Matthew Stafford.
The Matthew Stafford Era: 2009-2023
Matthew Stafford was drafted by the Lions with the first overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft. He started 10 games as a rookie, throwing for 2,267 yards and 13 touchdowns. He has been the Lions' starter ever since, leading them to three playoff appearances and one playoff win. Stafford has thrown for over 45,000 yards and 280 touchdowns in his Lions career, cementing himself as one of the franchise's all-time greats.
The Conclusion
The Lions' quarterback position has been a rollercoaster ride since 1992. The team has had some highs and some lows, some successes and some failures. However, one thing remains constant: the importance of the quarterback position. The Lions have had some great quarterbacks over the years, and Matthew Stafford is no exception. As the team looks to the future, they will undoubtedly be searching for the next great Lions quarterback. Who will it be? Only time will tell.
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