Detroit Lions backup quarterback Kyle Allen looked impressive during his stint at signal caller in the teams' game over the Atlanta Falcons this past weekend. It's only preseason, but the QB2 competition between Allen and Hendon Hooker has been must-see TV for Lions fans looking to find out if there's anything to Hooker and his long awaited development with the team.
So far, the answer to the question of whether Hooker can develop into a legitimate backup option to Jared Goff heading into the 2025 season has been a solid "probably not." That's because for his first two preseason games with Detroit, Hooker has had one interception, two fumbles, and not one passing touchdown.
If we needed any further confirmation about the shaky ground on which Hooker stands at the moment, head coach Dan Campbell soundly provided it during his Monday morning press conference ahead of another week of training camp.
"Just turning the ball over. Cause look, Hooker made some good throws, man. He was doing a few things. But, we've gotta get more work taking care of the ball. You decide you're gonna be a runner, you gotta tuck it away, man. Two hands on the ball in the pocket when you go to step up. So, it's all the fundamentals we talk about. We just need more work with that, and then he'll get to play," said Campbell of Hooker getting pulled early for Allen.
Campbell offers praise for Allen's preseason performance
As for Allen's play, Campbell told reporters he was "fired up" about his performance against the Falcons.
"I thought he was on point with the checks...he operated the offense at a high level. I was fired up."
Allen finished up his time under center against Atlanta with two passing touchdowns, a 68 yard bomb that set up a score for the Lions, and 120 passing yards total on the night. He looked much more confident in the pocket than Hooker, staying in under pressure and stepping up instead of immediately opting to run the ball.
The competition between the two should be far from over. The Lions still have a game against the Miami Dolphins to get through this coming weekend, and their final preseason bout against the Houston Texans on August 23. If we were to call this competition right now, though, it sure does feel like Detroit is ready to watch Allen take over officially at QB2, with Hooker once again third in the depth chart.
