Monday open thread: Should the Lions start Kyle Sloter next week?

When Matthew Stafford went down with injury, the Lions’ season was over. Jeff Driskel performed decently in relief, but he suffered an injury and went on the Injured Reserve. Next up was David Blough, who shined in his debut against the Chicago Bears on Thanksgiving.

However, the luster is wearing off, and Blough is revealing what we originally expected: he is a mediocre backup at best. His arm is subpar, from a lack of velocity to accuracy. The awareness he showcased against the Bears is gone, and his pocket presence is costing him sacks. The Lions aerial attack has dwindled in recent weeks, and while the offense is beat up, Blough’s 117 passing yards against the Denver Broncos are troubling.

These last few weeks have been about analyzing their talent for the upcoming season, and it seems like the verdict on Blough is in. Now, should the Lions continue their scouting of the quarterback position in the season finale?

Enter Kyle Sloter.

Sloter was signed off the Arizona Cardinals’ practice squad when Driskel was placed on the Injured Reserve. Sloter was previously with the Minnesota Vikings, so the Lions are familiar with the quarterback.

Sloter has been a preseason star, but he has yet to turn that into a starting opportunity. With the David Blough experiment all but over, the Lions need to examine their quarterback catalog heading into the 2020 season.

Today’s Question of the Day is:

Should the Lions start Kyle Sloter next week?

My answer: They should, but they will not.

No offense to Mr. Blough in case he reads this, but there is a reason he went undrafted. His tools are limited, and even if he is a wizard with a playbook, it is not translating to on-field success. Blough deserves some slack since he played four solid defenses, but his performance has been underwhelming regardless.

It is simple to say “Why not?” when it comes to starting Sloter. Have the Lions seen enough of Blough? Perhaps. Sloter is worth taking a look at, even for at least the second half.

A lot of fans are on Team Tank, so starting a fourth quarterback sounds like an easy way to lose. There is also a level of uncertainty, given that Sloter has limited action in a Lions uniform. He could impress, or he could bomb. Either way, it will not greatly affect the Lions season.

The Lions will likely roll with Blough due to his familiarity, and I do not blame them. Blough has been with the team since Week 1, whereas Sloter joined the team less than a month ago. It is the safer option, even if it is not the best option.

Your turn.