The Detroit Lions have been searching for a capable backup quarterback for the last three seasons, and it seemed 2025 was set to be another lost year.
Then, Week 2 of the preseason against the Atlanta Falcons happened. The Lions started Hendon Hooker, attempting to help the former third-round pick state his case as the backup. Unfortunately, Hooker didn't impress with two fumbles, and was quickly taken out of the game.
When Allen came in unexpectedly early and impressed, immediately, that elicited a response from Dan Campbell. The coach was immediately happy with how he led the offense and the command that was shown, even admitting to being "fired up" by the performance.