Detroit’s season opener against the New York Giants unintentionally turned into a horror show for Nate Sudfeld. The reserve quarterback started the game, but played pretty poorly, especially at the beginning.
Sudfeld missed the basket with four of his first five shots and the Lions offense managed one first down in the first six drives with the inconsistent and shaky Sudfeld at the helm.
“There are some decisions I wish he could make better. I expect more from him,” Campbell said in his post-game press conference. “I’m not too worried about accuracy, wet ball and this and that right now, or not yet, but there are just some decisions I know he can make better.”
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Sudfeld was forced back into the game when Hendon Hooker, who ran the offense far more efficiently and effectively, left the game with a concussion. Campbell immediately praised Sudfeld for playing better in that situation than he had looked earlier in the game.
“But like I said, I think when he came back he played a lot better. I think he found a rhythm, kind of got us going, and that was nice to see.”
Sudfeld led the Lions on an 11-play, 60-yard drive after his return, looking sharper and connecting with several receivers before stalling in the red zone.
Sudfeld, for his part, said the following after the game:
“I just don’t think we were at our best in all areas, neither the running game nor the passing game. It just didn’t click tonight, but I’ll have to watch the video to really see what went wrong with some things. But it’s hard to say.”
