After a mixed bag of a Lions debut, one which he left with a concussion, Detroit quarterback Hendon Hooker needed a reassuring performance. For himself, for his teammates, for the Lions coaches and for the fans, it was important for Hooker to show more.
No. 2 checked that box with aplomb in Detroit’s 24-23 preseason win in Kansas City on Saturday.
Hooker completed 12 of his final 13 passes in the Chiefs game, leading three late scoring drives. That includes the final one, a short drive in the two-minute drill to get kicker Jake Bates in position for his game-winning field goal as time expired.
Leading a game-winning drive? Check.
It wasn’t all perfect, of course, but that’s life with an inexperienced quarterback.
A late drive, one starting in the red zone off a Lions defensive takeaway, was ruined due to an abortive handoff exchange. That came after Hooker ate a sack on a poorly executed two-point conversion on the prior Lions touchdown drive.
Bounce back off a bad play? Check.
But Hooker’s ability to make something out of a failed play call is what sets him apart. The Lions haven’t had someone who can do this type of thing on a play where the coverage was better than the routes in a long time,
Hendon Hooker keeps it for the score 🙌#DETvsKC | 📺 Lions TV Network pic.twitter.com/hor0mVtTWO
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) August 17, 2024
For the game, Hooker finished 12-of-15 for 150 yards. He also added 11 rushing yards, including the TD. He was on the hook for the lost fumble but did not throw any interceptions, or really put the ball in any peril.
Protect the ball and make good decisions? Check.
Show accuracy to multiple levels of the field? Check.
Definitively catch Nate Sidfeld for the No. 2 job behind Jared Goff?
Hooker has not checked that one off yet, but his performance in Kansas City took the cap off that Sharpie. Now let’s see if Hooker can write that last check in the final week of preseason and practices.
