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Tag: Kyle Allen

  • Dan Campbell Reveals How Detroit Lions Simulated Caleb Williams in Practice

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    Preparing for a dynamic quarterback is never easy, and Dan Campbell made that clear when talking about the Detroit Lions’ approach to defending Chicago Bears rookie Caleb Williams. On Friday, Campbell explained how his team used backup quarterback Kyle Allen to mimic Williams’ dual-threat ability during practice.

    The Challenge of Running QBs

    Campbell didn’t sugarcoat just how difficult it is to defend quarterbacks who can make plays with their legs.

    “I know this, running quarterbacks are hard,” Campbell said as quoted by A to Z. “They’re hard to defend, and it’s like, somebody tells you that, ‘We don’t handle running quarterbacks very well.’ Well, tell me the team that does. … When you’re trying to deal with (Ravens QB) Lamar (Jackson) and … (Bills QB) Josh Allen, there are a lot of teams that struggle against those guys. They’re not easy to stop, and there’s a reason for that.”

    In other words, Detroit knows they won’t completely shut down Williams, they just need to contain him enough to stay in control.

    Balancing Aggression with Discipline

    The Lions’ head coach pointed out the tricky balance defenders face against mobile quarterbacks. Too much aggression leaves escape lanes open, while being too conservative gives the QB all day to throw.

    “…He’s so dangerous when he gets out of the pocket, and so if you’re not careful, you’ll paralyze your guys. You’ll just stand there, right, and now he buys time in the pocket. And then if you just rip and roar and you’re gone, and you open lanes up while he’s going there too. So there is a fine balance we’ve tried to emphasize that.”

    That balance will be key when Williams brings his improvisational style into Ford Field on Sunday.

    Kyle Allen as Caleb Williams (Sort Of)

    To get ready, Campbell turned to veteran quarterback Kyle Allen, asking him to extend plays and scramble in practice.

    “I thought our guys did a really good job yesterday. Kyle Allen gave us some looks, some really good looks, a lot of scramble looks, just, you know, working it and trying to simulate him as much as possible.”

    The Bottom Line

    Caleb Williams may already be one of the toughest quarterbacks to defend in the NFL, and Dan Campbell knows it. By leaning on Kyle Allen to simulate his mobility, the Lions are doing everything possible to prepare for the Bears’ rookie.

    Come Sunday, the real test will be whether Detroit’s defense can apply those practice reps under the bright lights of Ford Field.

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    Jeff Bilbrey

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  • 3 Options for the Detroit Lions Emergency Quarterback in 2025

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    The Detroit Lions enter the 2025 season with only two quarterbacks on the roster: Jared Goff and Kyle Allen. Normally, that’s all you need. But what if both went down in the same game? NFL rules allow teams to designate an emergency QB from another position, and in Detroit’s case, the Lions have a few intriguing options.

    Detroit Lions practice squad 2025 Detroit Lions 53-man roster Detroit Lions Emergency Quarterback

    David Montgomery: The Safe Pick

    If the Lions were ever forced into this situation, the most realistic choice would be David Montgomery.

    • Montgomery already has experience in wildcat formations, taking direct snaps and powering forward.
    • Detroit likely wouldn’t try to throw much without a true quarterback, instead relying on safe handoffs, simple option looks, and Montgomery’s tough running style to grind out possessions.
    • His vision and ability to pick up tough yards make him the “steady hands” option in what would be a chaotic scenario.

    In other words, if you’re protecting the football and trying to survive until the final whistle, Montgomery is the guy you trust.

    Amon-Ra St. Brown: The Trick-Play Option

    That said, Amon-Ra St. Brown could still get a look.

    • He’s already been used in trick plays and has shown some ability to throw.
    • With his football IQ and leadership, he’d be capable of managing a simplified passing game if Detroit wanted to take a shot or two downfield.

    Still, given the stakes of an emergency situation, St. Brown’s role would probably be limited to one or two surprise throws rather than running the full offense.

    Kalif Raymond: The Wildcard

    If the Lions wanted to inject speed and creativity, Kalif Raymond is another candidate.

    • Known for his gadget-play usage, Raymond has the quickness to make things interesting.
    • He could run wildcat-style packages, relying on jet sweeps, misdirection, and quick-hitting plays to keep defenses on their toes.
    • While not a passer, his athleticism could give Detroit a spark in short bursts.
    David Montgomery David Montgomery Detroit Lions 2025

    The Bottom Line

    In reality, the Lions would do everything possible to avoid reaching this point. But if both Jared Goff and Kyle Allen were sidelined, expect David Montgomery to be the most-likely emergency quarterback.

    St. Brown and Raymond could sprinkle in gadget plays, but Montgomery’s ability to run the football, protect possessions, and manage the game makes him the safest bet.

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    Don Drysdale

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  • Dan Campbell Reacts to Hendon Hooker’s Preseason Finale

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    The Detroit Lions still have a decision to make at quarterback, and Hendon Hooker’s preseason finale didn’t exactly make things easier.

    Speaking after Saturday’s game against the Houston Texans, head coach Dan Campbell admitted he was hoping to see more from the second-year signal-caller.

    “I wish Hooker would’ve had a little bit better outing,” Campbell said as quoted by Eric Woodyard.

    Kerby Joseph injury update Dan Campbell Hendon Hooker

    Hooker finished the afternoon 6-of-11 for 70 yards with one interception, adding a 25-yard scramble. While he showed flashes, he also took two sacks and missed opportunities to move the offense downfield.

    Campbell noted, however, that context matters. Hooker spent most of his snaps working with the third-string offense, which limited his chances to establish rhythm.

    “Circumstances didn’t work out today,” Campbell added.

    What It Means for the QB Room

    The Lions are still debating whether to keep three quarterbacks on the roster or roll with just Jared Goff and Kyle Allen. Allen has had a strong preseason, throwing for 335 yards and four touchdowns, while Hooker’s struggles have fueled speculation about his future.

    Hooker himself has expressed confidence that he’s shown enough to earn a spot, but Campbell’s comments suggest the staff is still evaluating.

    Hendon Hooker Detroit Lions 2025 Hendon Hooker QB2

    The Bottom Line

    Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes face a tough call ahead of Tuesday’s roster cut deadline. Do they keep Hooker as a developmental piece, or use that spot to shore up depth elsewhere?

    For now, Campbell is keeping his cards close, but Hooker’s margin for error just got smaller.

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    Don Drysdale

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  • Hendon Hooker Speaks Out on Lions Roster Chances After Preseason Finale

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    The Detroit Lions quarterback room has been one of the bigger storylines of training camp and preseason. With Jared Goff entrenched as the starter and Kyle Allen clearly solidifying himself as the backup, the spotlight has fallen on Hendon Hooker, the 2023 third-round pick who has struggled to prove he belongs on the 53-man roster.

    Hendon Hooker is back Detroit Lions fans hilarious nickname for Jared Goff Former teammate of Hendon Hooker Jared Goff Hendon Hooker Detroit Lions roster

    Following Saturday’s preseason finale against the Houston Texans, Hooker was asked directly if he feels he’s done enough to earn a roster spot. His response was confident, yet self-aware.

    “From the work that I’ve put in and what I’ve put on tape, and in practice, and a couple plays in the game, I have showcased some good things, and have some things to still work on, like I said before. But I made a strong stance.” Hooker said after the game.

    A Rocky Preseason

    Hooker’s performance against Houston summed up much of his preseason: flashes of athletic ability mixed with inconsistency. He finished the finale completing 6 of 11 passes for 70 yards, throwing an interception, and adding a 25-yard scramble that reminded everyone of the mobility that made him a dangerous dual-threat at Tennessee.

    But his mistakes, including overthrows, sacks he could have avoided, and an overreliance on checkdowns, have raised questions about whether the Lions will carry three quarterbacks or move forward with just two.

    Making His Case

    Hooker’s comments show a player who knows he hasn’t been perfect but still believes he has demonstrated enough progress to warrant keeping. His work ethic and willingness to own both the positives and negatives could be part of what Detroit’s coaching staff weighs when making roster decisions.

    The reality, though, is that the Lions are in win-now mode. With Goff and Allen providing a stable one-two punch, the question is whether the front office wants to continue investing in Hooker’s development or allocate that roster spot elsewhere.

    Hendon Hooker head injury Hendon Hooker now or never Hendon Hooker trade value

    The Bottom Line

    Hendon Hooker may not have had the preseason he wanted, but he hasn’t lost confidence in himself. While his future in Detroit remains uncertain, his message was clear: he believes he’s earned the right to stick around.

    Now, the decision falls to Brad Holmes and the Lions’ front office, do they buy into Hooker’s “strong stance,” or has his fate already been sealed?

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    Don Drysdale

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