The 2017 NFL season was an exciting one for the Detroit Lions and their fans. With a new head coach and starting quarterback, there was a sense of optimism surrounding the team. The Lions were hoping to make it back to the playoffs for the third time in four seasons, but ultimately fell short. In this article, we will take a look back at the season and examine the performance of the Lions’ starting quarterback.
The Arrival of Matthew Stafford’s Successor
After spending his entire career with the Lions, Matthew Stafford was traded to the Los Angeles Rams in the offseason. This left a void at the quarterback position for Detroit, but they quickly filled it by signing a veteran signal-caller. The team signed a two-year deal with Sam Bradford, who had spent the previous season with the Arizona Cardinals.
Bradford was brought in to stabilize the position and provide some experience to a young offense. He was known for his accuracy and ability to make quick decisions, which made him a good fit for the Lions’ offensive scheme. However, his injury history was a concern, and many wondered if he would be able to stay healthy for an entire season.
Early Season Struggles
The Lions got off to a slow start in 2017, losing their first two games of the season. Bradford struggled in those games, completing just 58.8% of his passes and throwing two interceptions. However, he bounced back in Week 3, leading the Lions to their first win of the season against the Atlanta Falcons.
Despite the win, there were still some concerns about Bradford’s performance. He was sacked three times and threw an interception, and there were questions about his ability to stay healthy. The Lions were hoping he would continue to improve as the season went on.
Injury Woes
Unfortunately for the Lions, Bradford’s injury history caught up with him. He suffered a knee injury in Week 4 against the Minnesota Vikings and was forced to miss the next four games. Backup quarterback Jake Rudock took over in his absence, but struggled to lead the offense. The Lions went 1-3 in those games, and their playoff hopes were starting to dwindle.
Bradford returned in Week 9 against the Green Bay Packers, but was clearly not himself. He completed just 50% of his passes and threw two interceptions in a blowout loss. The Lions were forced to make a change at quarterback, and turned to rookie Brad Kaaya.
The Rise of Brad Kaaya
Kaaya was a fourth-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, and had not played a single snap in the regular season prior to taking over for Bradford. However, he quickly impressed the coaching staff with his poise and accuracy. In his first start against the Cleveland Browns, Kaaya completed 70% of his passes and threw two touchdowns in a narrow victory.
Kaaya continued to play well over the next few weeks, leading the Lions to wins over the Chicago Bears and Cincinnati Bengals. However, his lack of experience eventually caught up with him. In a crucial Week 15 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Kaaya threw three interceptions and was benched in favor of Rudock.
The End of the Season
The Lions finished the season with a disappointing 7-9 record, missing the playoffs for the second straight year. The quarterback position was a major question mark for the team, as they had used three different starters throughout the season. Despite the struggles, there were some bright spots for the Lions. Rookie running back Kerryon Johnson had a breakout season, and the defense showed some improvement under new head coach Matt Patricia.
Overall, the 2017 season was a mixed bag for the Lions. While there were some exciting moments, the team ultimately fell short of their goals. The quarterback position was a major factor in their struggles, and it remains to be seen who will hold the job in the coming seasons.
Conclusion
The 2017 season was a rollercoaster ride for the Detroit Lions and their fans. With the arrival of a new head coach and starting quarterback, there was a sense of optimism surrounding the team. However, injuries and inconsistent play at the quarterback position derailed their playoff hopes. While there were some bright spots, the Lions will need to address the quarterback position in order to compete in the future.
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