Did the Detroit Lions improve? QB edition

Our next series on the Detroit Lions roster focuses on a comparison of each position from 2012 to 2013. The goal is to find out if improvements were made from a talent standpoint. We'll also take a look at the roster from 2011 to help determine what caused the Lions' step back in 2012 and if they can get back to being a playoff team in 2013. First up in this series is the quarterback position. (Credit to Arrowhead Pride and Big Blue View for the idea.)

2012 QBs: Matthew Stafford, Shaun Hill, Kellen Moore

2013 QBs: Matthew Stafford, Shaun Hill, Kellen Moore, Thaddeus Lewis

As you can see, the only difference from last season is that the Lions added Thaddeus Lewis this offseason. Lewis was claimed off waivers in May, and considering he played pretty well in his one start with the Cleveland Browns last season, he could be a real threat to make the 53-man roster over Kellen Moore. Just based on the fact that there is a real competition for the third quarterback job, the Lions have improved at QB.

Looking at this from a non-personnel standpoint, whether or not the Lions improved at quarterback really comes down to Matthew Stafford. He spent a lot of time at the Lions' facility this offseason, and the hope is that he will end up playing more like he did in 2011 than 2012. He needs to be much more consistent as a passer for the Lions to make a run at the postseason like they did a couple years ago.

Did they improve?

Yes. Simply from the perspective of what players are on the team, the Lions got better at quarterback by adding Lewis.

What about compared to 2011?

2011 QBs: Matthew Stafford, Shaun Hill, Drew Stanton

Considering both Shaun Hill and Drew Stanton admirably stepped in for Stafford as the starting quarterback in 2010, it's going to be tough to top that trio of QBs. Of course, the hope for the Lions is that they won't need their backup or third-stringer, so hopefully we won't get to find out if this year's group can top the trio from 2011.

(Note: Players listed from 2011 and 2012 are based on the Lions' Week 1 roster in those seasons.)