A Dumpster Fire of Quarterbacks

Detroit Lions, Michigan State, Central Michigan - the 3 football teams I follow closest. I know, how shitty is my life? In case you aren't aware, all 3 currently have abysmal quarterback situations. This year has been some of the most pathetic, uninspiring and downright depressing play I’ve seen in my 29 years of existence. Being that the problems have mostly been at quarterback (the focal point of the entire team) - it’s hard not to wonder if things will get better in the near future for each one of these teams.

Detroit Lions - Matthew Stafford

Let me start by saying I have defended Stafford since day 1. Through front office changes, new coaches, coordinators, receiving corps and tight ends, upgrades to the o-line and running game – I’m simply running out of excuses at this point. The most frustrating part of this entire situation is not being able to answer the question “What now?”

I’m not going to dive into some huge analysis of his contract, but Dave Birkett did and basically we are stuck with him. There is no trading, cutting or upgrading. He is here in Detroit for this year and next. And maybe 2 years from now, you can find a way to get rid of him and even that has a pretty bleak outlook. But for now, he’s our guy and once again, it’s been another wasted NFL season here in Detroit.

Michigan State - Brian Lewerke and Rocky Lombardi

Enough. That’s simply it. Enough of Coach D and his “loyalty” narrative. Enough of Dave Warner, Jim Bollamn, Mark Staten and their archaic offensive schemes. Enough of Lewerke in 2018. And enough of these “relief” appearances from Rocky Lombardi.

Unlike the Lions, this is a situation with a pretty obvious answer. Sit Brian Lewerke down. Not only does he look hurt, he's come out and said " There's still like a little bit of pain that shoots whenever I throw" HELLO, McFly?! And Stop with the semantics about being “hurt or injured” Mark, open your eyes! The kid can’t hit a fucking 100 foot brick wall on a 5 yard out. Let Lombardi get the 1st team reps and start the remaining 2 games of the season. There is nothing to play for at this point.

Even if Dantonio wants to argue that Lewerke can play through it, that’s an even greater indication he should be benched - he certainly hasn’t shown anything on the field this season other than being completely incompetent. I don’t understand how a Head Coach, who has his pulse on every aspect of the team, can’t see that when Lombardi comes in the entire offense is re-energized.

And this isn’t the first time. Before it was Keith Nichol or Kirk Cousins. Then it was Maxwell or Cook. Then it was rolling Tyler O’Connor out for an entire season. And it all points back to the same thing - a coach who simply can’t put his pride aside.

He wants to be right, instead of doing what's right.

Fire your offensive coordinators. Be honest with Brian Lewerke and fair to Rocky Lombardi. Explain to Lewerke he's going to have to play for his job in the spring or, break the news that he’s lost it to Lombardi. Make the tough decisions Mark, that’s your job.

Central Michigan - N/A

I didn’t name a quarterback for CMU in the title because they simply don't have one on the roster. They have guys who say they play the position. But they do not have a serviceable Division 1 quarterback on the roster.

Some people are calling for Bonamego’s job. I’m not ready to do that yet. He’s had some good seasons since he’s arrived in Mount Pleasant. I think he’s built a talented roster at every position but quarterback. He made a mistake. He went all in on a guy who they thought was the future in Tony Poljan and just flat out whiffed.

In the MAC, you can’t really expect a whole lot out of the next guy once your starter goes down. Most of these guys are JUCO transfers, walk-on’s or took the one Division 1 offer that was on the table because they didn't want to play Division II or III. In CMU's case, there just was no depth at the position after Poljan flamed out.

The position has some hope for the future though – assuming Bonamego didn’t whiff again.

Dequan Finn - 2019 3 Star Dual Threat QB (Martin Luther King High School - Detroit, MI)

I don’t feel comfortable with him coming in and starting right away. They probably need another stop gap with a graduate transfer, like “Sugar” Shane Morris from Michigan in 2017. Not going to win you the MAC but at least keep you competitive and in bowl contention.

NOW, YOU'LL HAVE TO EXCUSE ME…