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Two days ago, we mentioned an article by Chris Burke over at The Athletic contemplating the backup quarterback situation in Detroit. The team has 29-year-old Tom Savage and 26-year-old Connor Cook on the roster, but neither has ever been billed as a succession plan behind Matthew Stafford. Thursday, other parts of the Lions beat checked in with these younger veterans who are both hoping to make the roster as the number two guy.
Justin Rogers from the Detroit News covered Savage’s journey from the time he was a highly touted high school prospect to being the professional he is today. An interesting note from Rogers on the former Texans starter bodes well for his ability to make the throws designed for a Stafford-run offense:
Not really doing full OTA observations this year, but here's one for Twitter, Tom Savage has some serious arm strength. Really impressed with the zip he's putting on the ball in these non-contact segments.
— Justin Rogers (@Justin_Rogers) May 30, 2019
Dave Birkett with the Detroit Free Press, meanwhile, looked in on former Spartan Connor Cook’s adjustment to coming home to the Lions after time with the Raiders, Panthers, and Bengals.
Connor Cook sees Mark Dantonio in Matt Patricia: 'Hard on his guys, but in the right way' https://t.co/L2OXrhpKoW via @freep
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) May 31, 2019
- Devon Kennard did events with the Play 60 program during his time with the Giants, and he has continued that part of his community outreach to his current squad:
Had an awesome afternoon yesterday chatting it up with @futp60 student ambassadors. These kids are doing great things in their schools and communities #FuelGreatness
— DK (@DevonKennard) May 29, 2019
- Big Play Slay also visited an elementary school this week to spread a great message to the kids:
Thank you to Darius Slay of the Detroit Lions who stopped by to speak with our students about the importance of developing character and respect for others. @Dr_Vitti @Detroitk12 @principallearns pic.twitter.com/b0xpfqex6k
— Warren E. Bow School (@bow_warren) May 30, 2019
- In case anyone somehow forgot, here is a reminder that Calvin Johnson was pretty good deep down the field:
This graphic can’t be retweeted too much, #Lions WR Calvin Johnson retired suddenly after the 2015 season. Yet he still is second in deep receiving yards since 2008 with 3,398 yards while the others have still been playing each year since #OnePride https://t.co/CatnM1DSC2
— PFF DET Lions (@PFF_Lions) May 31, 2019
- Both Kyle Meinke at mlive.com and Dave Birkett from the Detroit Free Press have nice stories about how Zach Zenner managed to improve his MCAT score while simultaneously being a shredded beast and a devoted dad:
Lions RB Zach Zenner aces med school exam again, this time with the help of his running back room https://t.co/E7UpiW68wI via @freep
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) May 31, 2019
Zach Zenner went undrafted out of South Dakota State, so of course he had a Plan B. But 5 years later, he's still toting the rock in Detroit.
— kyle meinke (@kmeinke) May 31, 2019
And after passing the MCATs for a second time, he hasn't given up on his dream to become a doctor either.
Story: https://t.co/gP4n4Mi93x pic.twitter.com/2MjmctuMcc
- PFF also pointed out that Damon Harrison Sr. is pretty good up front at the line:
98 days until football pic.twitter.com/0vqQ3z4zWf
— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) May 30, 2019
- Some lucky fans will get to go on the road with the Detroit Lions. Will it be you?
Win a trip for two on the road with the #Lions, thanks to Lions Experiences! Enter here: https://t.co/Oixs8FbwFj @QuintEvents pic.twitter.com/LIBF8rAHf4
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) May 31, 2019
- Former (edit: STILL DEFINITELY ALIVE AND HEALTHY) Lions center Travis Swanson is dead certain that the quarterback he used to snap to for years can make all the plays:
9 can do anything that is asked of him. Elite QB https://t.co/H4fRDEwVxj
— Travis Swanson (@Tswan64) May 30, 2019