When it comes to the Detroit Lions and their quarterbacks, the year 2014 stands out as a significant turning point. This was the year when the Lions drafted their future franchise quarterback, Matthew Stafford, and started to see some real progress on the field. In this article, we'll take a look back at the Lions' QB situation in 2014, examining the team's strengths and weaknesses, and exploring how things have changed since then.
The Stafford Era Begins
Matthew Stafford was the first overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, and by 2014 he had firmly established himself as the Lions' starting quarterback. In 2013, he had thrown for over 4,600 yards and 29 touchdowns, but the team had still finished with a disappointing 7-9 record. However, 2014 would mark the beginning of a new era for the Lions.
Stafford started all 16 games in 2014, throwing for over 4,200 yards and 22 touchdowns, while also cutting down on his interceptions. He also had a new weapon in the form of rookie tight end Eric Ebron, who would go on to catch 25 passes for 248 yards and a touchdown. With Stafford leading the way, the Lions finished the season with an 11-5 record and made the playoffs for the first time since 2011.
The Backup QB Situation
While Stafford was clearly the Lions' starting QB in 2014, the backup situation was less clear-cut. Veteran Dan Orlovsky was brought back to the team after spending a few years elsewhere, and he ended up starting one game in relief of Stafford. However, it was clear that the Lions were looking for a long-term solution at backup QB.
Enter Kellen Moore. The Lions had signed Moore as an undrafted free agent in 2012, and he had spent the previous two seasons on the practice squad. In 2014, he finally made the active roster as the third-string QB, but he did not see any game action. Still, the team was high on his potential, and he would go on to spend the next few seasons as Stafford's backup.
The Impact of the 2014 QB Situation
The impact of the Lions' QB situation in 2014 cannot be overstated. With Stafford firmly entrenched as the starter and Orlovsky and Moore providing solid backup options, the team had stability at the most important position on the field. This stability allowed the Lions to focus on other areas of the team, such as the defense and the running game.
Furthermore, the success of Stafford and the Lions in 2014 helped to create a sense of optimism and hope among Detroit fans. For years, the Lions had been the butt of jokes around the league, but in 2014 they showed that they could be a force to be reckoned with. This renewed sense of enthusiasm would carry over into the next few seasons, as the Lions continued to build a competitive team.
Changes Since 2014
Of course, a lot has changed since 2014. Stafford is still the Lions' starting QB, but both Orlovsky and Moore have moved on. In their place, the Lions have brought in other backup QBs, such as Jake Rudock and David Blough.
The team has also undergone some significant changes in terms of coaching staff and front office personnel. In 2018, Matt Patricia was hired as the Lions' head coach, and he has brought in his own staff and implemented his own systems. While the Lions have struggled in Patricia's first two seasons, there is still hope that he can turn things around and lead the team to success.
Conclusion
The Detroit Lions' QB situation in 2014 was a pivotal moment in the team's history. With Matthew Stafford leading the way and Dan Orlovsky and Kellen Moore providing solid backup options, the Lions were able to focus on building a competitive team. The success of that team in 2014 helped to create a sense of optimism among Detroit fans, and while a lot has changed since then, there is still hope that the Lions can return to that level of success in the future.
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