DETROIT -- With Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell stating veteran Kyle Allen had the edge in the QB2 competition, Hendon Hooker needed a strong showing in the preseason finale -- not only to pull even, but to justify Detroit keeping three quarterbacks.
It’s hard to say his performance accomplished that. Hooker turned in his fourth scoreless outing of the preseason as the Lions fell 26-7 to the Houston Texans.
The third-year quarterback finished 6-of-11 for 70 yards, one interception, and a passer rating of 36.2. His lone highlight came with 12:17 remaining, when he scrambled up the middle for a 25-yard gain.
“I played free all day,” Hooker said. “I had fun, tried to make some plays and some throws when they were there, and tried to make them when they weren’t there.
“So just trying to go out there and command the huddle was my biggest concern, and having fun. That’s my biggest thing.”
Allen, meanwhile, made the most of his opportunity. He went 5-of-5 for 66 yards and a touchdown to rookie wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa.
While Detroit’s pass protection wasn’t great, and penalties wiped away some of his better snaps, Hooker still appeared indecisive in the pocket and with his reads.
That hesitation led to what could be his final play in a Lions uniform -- a sack by Texans defender Haggai Ndubuisi for a six-yard loss with 3:35 left.
Asked later if he was surprised Allen had created separation in the competition, Hooker was blunt.
“I mean, of course. Who would want to go into a battle and think that they’re not going to be successful? Especially with the skills that I have, I can showcase,” he said. “But you come in and work as hard as you can every day, so that’s probably it.”
“I did improve each game. That second (preseason) game was probably the worst ball-handling I had in my career, which isn’t me,” Hooker added. “I felt like I capitalized on things that I needed to work on, game after game. Every day in practice, I showed up.”
Hooker isn’t wrong there -- at least early Saturday, he looked more composed than in his previous three preseason games and the Hall of Fame matchup.
Still, the numbers tell a different story. He closes the preseason completing 22-of-40 passes for 187 yards, three interceptions, two lost fumbles, and a 39.3 passer rating.
Cut day looms Tuesday, and Hooker said he plans to stay grounded, keep working, and focus on what he can control. Asked directly if he feels he’s done enough to make the 53-man roster, he didn’t offer a yes or no -- but he did make his case.
“In the work that I put in and what I put on tape in practice and a couple of plays in the game, I have showcased some good things,” Hooker said.
“I have some things to still work on, like I said before, but I’ve made a strong stance.”
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