Allen Park — Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes previously admitted he didn't like the way the team's backup quarterback situation developed last season. In response, he signed veteran Teddy Bridgewater and drafted Hendon Hooker to solidify the short- and long-term depth chart behind starter Jared Goff.
A backup quarterback can be a critical piece to the puzzle for a playoff contender, providing an insurance policy to get through a rough patch if the starter suffers an injury. Holmes understood that and made it a point of emphasis. Similarly, problems at kicker can have a significant impact on a team's aspirations in a league where many games are decided by one score.