The Detroit Lions have been a team with a lot of potential over the years, but often fall short when it comes to their quarterback position. From failed draft picks to injuries, the Lions have struggled to find a consistent leader under center. Let's take a look back at some of the most notable quarterback fails in Lions history.
The Joey Harrington Experiment
In 2002, the Lions drafted Joey Harrington with the third overall pick. The Oregon product was expected to be the franchise quarterback the Lions had been searching for. However, Harrington struggled in his four seasons with the team. He threw more interceptions than touchdowns and failed to lead the Lions to a winning season. After being traded to the Dolphins in 2006, Harrington bounced around the league as a backup quarterback before retiring in 2008.
The Lions put a lot of faith in Harrington, but it ultimately did not pay off. His struggles on the field were a major disappointment for Lions fans and set the team back in their search for a consistent quarterback.
The Matthew Stafford Era
After the disappointment of Harrington, the Lions hoped to find their franchise quarterback in Matthew Stafford. Stafford was drafted first overall in 2009 and showed promise in his rookie season. However, injuries have plagued Stafford throughout his career. He has missed significant time due to injuries to his shoulder, knee, and back.
Despite the injuries, Stafford has had some success with the Lions. He has set numerous franchise records and led the team to three playoff appearances. However, the team has yet to win a playoff game with Stafford at quarterback.
The Failed Experiment with Jeff Driskel
In 2019, the Lions found themselves in need of a backup quarterback after Stafford went down with a back injury. They turned to Jeff Driskel, a journeyman quarterback who had previously played for the Bengals and Broncos. Driskel started three games for the Lions, but failed to win a single one.
The experiment with Driskel was a failure, and the Lions ultimately released him after the season. It was a reminder that finding a reliable backup quarterback is just as important as finding a franchise quarterback.
The Future of the Lions Quarterback Position
The Lions have a new regime in place with head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes. They will have to decide whether or not to stick with Stafford or move on and draft a quarterback in the upcoming draft.
If they do decide to move on from Stafford, the Lions will need to be careful in their search for a new quarterback. They cannot afford another failed experiment like Harrington or Driskel. They will need to find a quarterback who can lead the team to success and end the Lions' struggles at the quarterback position once and for all.
Conclusion
The Detroit Lions have had their fair share of struggles at the quarterback position over the years. From failed draft picks to injuries, the team has been unable to find a consistent leader under center. However, with a new regime in place, the Lions have the opportunity to finally put an end to their quarterback woes and find a franchise quarterback who can lead them to success.
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