In his third season with the Detroit Lions, Hendon Hooker is showing indications of improvement. Coaches report that his footwork, timing, and knowledge of the offense have improved.
It’s easy to forget that Hooker has yet to play a meaningful NFL action, but that hasn’t stopped the Lions from believing in his potential. Hooker redshirted his rookie year while recovering from a broken ACL, and he spent the majority of 2024 as Jared Goff’s backup quarterback before stepping in as an emergency third quarterback during the playoffs.
Hooker is now in his third offseason, and he is healthy, engaged, and showing indications of genuine growth – something that has not gone unnoticed in Allen Park.
“He’s a puppy,” stated quarterbacks coach Mark Brunell, as reported by Lions OnSI. “He is still young. Does he have a lot of potential? However, this is common among all young men entering their third year.
TL;DR
Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker is making significant progress in his third season, according to his coaches. Hooker has improved his footwork, grasped the offense more quickly, and enters training camp pushing veteran Kyle Allen for the QB2 slot behind Jared Goff.
Hendon Hooker Showing progress as Lions evaluate QB depth
With organized team activities on the horizon, Hooker is using every opportunity, whether in the classroom or on the practice field.
“He is off to a good start, which is good. “He’s improving,” Brunell remarked.
Hooker’s footwork has been a main focus for new offensive coordinator John Morton, who prioritizes quarterback mechanics, timing, and ball placement.
“It’s just, ‘Get better at this every day,'” Morton explained. “A lot of it involves footwork. Are you making the correct decisions? Are you playing quickly and smoothly? This improves accuracy.
That has been one of the most significant areas of growth thus far, and Brunell recognizes it plainly.
“He’s throwing the ball better, his footwork is better, and he understands our concepts,” she said.
Open Competition for QB2.
With Teddy Bridgewater retiring and Kyle Allen signing as a free agent, the QB2 position is up for grabs.
Allen, a seasoned veteran with 19 career starts, contributes experience. However, Hooker has a year in the Lions’ system and an opportunity to earn substantial playing time in the preseason, especially because Detroit is playing an extra game this year in the Hall of Fame Game.
“That two spot is open, so it’s good,” Brunell remarked. “You are not given anything in this league… Hendon will have to earn that second slot.”
If he continues on his current path, this could be what occurs.
OTAs and preseason will be key.
The Lions don’t often play their starters in the preseason, so Hooker should receive plenty of practice time. That’s a major deal for a quarterback who has yet to gain meaningful live game experience.
More snaps equals more tape. More tape indicates more trust.
thus, how has it gone thus far? The Lions like what they see.
Key Takeaways
Hendon Hooker is making significant development during offseason exercises, particularly in footwork and processing.
New OC John Morton emphasizes clean mechanics and faster decision-making.
Hooker is fighting with Kyle Allen for the backup quarterback position to Jared Goff.
The Lions will play four preseason games, providing Hooker an excellent opportunity to demonstrate progress.
The Bottom Line
Hendon Hooker is still waiting for his NFL time. But he is not standing.
He is gaining confidence, learning topics, and ensuring that if — or when — his number is called, he is prepared.
“Every year he improves,” Brunell remarked. “You’ll see a better version of him than you did last year, and I’m excited about that.”
So are Lions fans.
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