Lions Fans Should Reconsider the Quarterback Debate
Much of the criticism aimed at the Detroit Lions’ quarterback raises an important question: how many of those critics are actually watching the games in full? The narrative that the Lions must immediately move on from their current quarterback ignores both context and performance.
Statistically, he finished near the top of the league in touchdown passes while ranking among the lowest in interceptions. Yes, there was a five-turnover game, but at least two of those turnovers were not directly his fault. More importantly, he has operated for long stretches without consistent protection. The offensive line has deteriorated, and with it the running game—outside of what Jahmyr Gibbs is able to create on his own. Without reliable blocking, even the most talented quarterbacks struggle.
The receiving corps also remains a limiting factor. The Lions have yet to provide their quarterback with a true game-changing wide receiver. Amon-Ra St. Brown is a productive and dependable player, but on most contending teams he would profile as a secondary option rather than a primary matchup nightmare. He lacks elite speed and does not consistently tilt defensive game plans. Detroit has not rostered a true “stud” receiver in the modern sense, and that reality becomes glaring in postseason matchups, where elite teams are defined by elite difference-makers.
Historical comparisons reinforce the point. Calvin Johnson’s production was extraordinary, but it was also a product of circumstance—he was essentially the only viable option in the passing game. Defenses knew the ball was going to him, and he still delivered. That does not change the fact that Detroit failed to build a complete supporting cast around him, much as it risks doing now with its current core.
The quarterback continues to put points on the board. The larger issue is roster construction, particularly on defense. Aidan Hutchinson has shown he can be a franchise cornerstone, yet he remains isolated without sufficient help along the defensive front. Without reinforcements, the organization risks wasting his prime years, potentially driving him elsewhere in pursuit of championships—an all-too-familiar pattern in Detroit sports.
The argument to replace the quarterback also lacks realism. There is no meaningful pool of free agents, and drafting late in the first round severely limits access to top-tier prospects. Asking “If not him, then who?” remains a valid and unanswered question.
Ownership, Investment, and a Familiar Pattern
Detroit fans have seen this cycle before: brief periods of excitement followed by long stretches of mediocrity. Ownership promises ambition, facilities are packed, and optimism spikes—only for investment to fall short when it matters most.
Across Detroit sports, the pattern feels consistent. Claims that financial constraints prevent teams from retaining cornerstone players ring hollow. If elite talent such as Tarik Skubal is allowed to walk without meaningful return, it raises serious concerns about organizational commitment. Without him, the Tigers’ competitive outlook collapses, and the reliance on unproven or injury-prone arms only amplifies the risk. Fans are justified in questioning continued support if winning is not treated as a priority.
Defense Still Wins Championships
Sheila Ford Hamp has spoken passionately about her goal of bringing Detroit a Super Bowl, and that commitment deserves acknowledgment. The Lions have achieved what offense is meant to do: generate excitement and sell tickets. Over the past three seasons, they have fielded a top-five offense, resulting in a 15–2 record and back-to-back division titles.
But history remains clear. Defense wins championships. A review of the last several Super Bowl champions consistently shows elite or near-elite defensive rankings. The Lions, by comparison, have lagged behind in this area. The obsession with adding offensive firepower has reached diminishing returns. The defensive core is promising, but it remains incomplete, and relying on short-term gambles rather than durable, high-impact defenders is not a sustainable formula.
Evaluating the Quarterback Honestly
The quarterback himself deserves a fair, nuanced assessment. He is widely respected as a leader, communicator, and teammate. He accepts accountability and has shown tangible growth over the past two seasons. By most measures, he is firmly among the league’s better quarterbacks.
That said, there is still room for improvement. His peak efficiency coincided with an elite offensive line, and as protection has declined, so has consistency. To reach the next tier, he must improve throwing accuracy—too many passes have sailed long, come up short, or arrived off-target. At his contract level, precision must be non-negotiable.
Mobility is another area of growth. While he is not expected to become a scrambling quarterback, the ability to extend plays, gain situational yards, or reset throwing lanes would significantly elevate the offense. There were also too many instances of passes thrown to receivers who appeared unprepared for the ball, resulting in wasted downs. That issue points as much to coaching and communication as to individual execution.
Rebuilding the offensive line—through the draft or via trade—should be a priority. Improved protection would allow the quarterback to regain rhythm, enhance accuracy, and operate with confidence.
Final Thought
The Lions do not need to abandon their quarterback in panic. They need to build around him intelligently, invest heavily in defense, and commit to a championship-caliber roster rather than short-term optimism. Replacing the quarterback without fixing the foundational issues would only repeat the mistakes that have defined Detroit football for decades.
Defense still wins championships. Until the Lions fully embrace that truth, offensive fireworks alone will not be enough.
