DFN Mailbag: Trading Hooker, Davenport doom and gloom and future Super Bowl halftime acts

Welcome to the latest edition of the Detroit Football Network mailbag. Let’s see what’s on your mind this week.

Q: Would Hendon Hooker be a trade target for teams like Miami? — @quiteiffy

Q: How can Holmes fleece the Dolphins? — Nolan Ruffing

Justin: Guys, why is Hooker on this roster? For years, this fan base was rightly clamoring for a young, reliable backup QB. Now, I realize some percentage of that group was unrealistically hopeful that backup would push and possibly overtake Jared Goff for the starting job. But the real value of finding that player was having an insurance policy if the starter went down.

Hooker is still raw and developing, but he showed enough promise in the preseason, with both his arms and legs, that you don’t feel like it’s an automatic loss if Goff rolled an ankle or broke a finger in the third quarter of a tight game.

There’s also a financial component. Goff is one of the league’s highest-paid at the position, so while it would be great to have Teddy Bridgewater-caliber insurance behind Goff, it’s poor cap strategy to also have a highly paid veteran behind a highly paid starter. Hooker’s cap hit is just under $1.3 million. That’s ideal.

So no, you don’t trade your insurance piece with upside after you waited out his rehab and are just starting to reap the reward for a Day 2 draft pick (at best), while simultaneously creating the same void you're helping the Dolphins fill.

Let's not get carried away because Jake Fromm completed six passes against a bunch of guys who weren’t on NFL rosters a few days later.

Q: How much did the rookies play in Week 1 and how did they look? — Brandon L. Thornton

Justin: Outside of first-round pick Terrion Arnold, not a lot.

Let’s go down the list.

Arnold played all but two defensive snaps, which was only because he briefly exited with an injury. You can read my expanded thoughts on him in my film review from earlier in the week. In summary, there were a lot of positives, particularly as a tackler.

Second-rounder Ennis Rakestraw came on for three defensive snaps as an injury fill-in, and also logged 11 on special teams, with his most important work with those units coming as a gunner on punt coverage. I believe he has a lot of promise in the role, even though he got overly excited and unnecessarily knocked a perfect Jack Fox punt into the end zone.

Tailback Sione Vaki saw two reps as a lead blocker on run plays. He looked eager, if not effective on those snaps. He also saw 18 plays as a four-core special teamer.

The last of Detroit’s draft picks to see work was a modest six defensive snaps for Mekhi Wingo. He registered a quarterback hurry on one of four pass rushes, but it was because he was unblocked on the play.

I admittedly have nothing insightful to say about long snapper Hogan Hatten, other than he didn’t screw up. That's a strong starting point at his position.

Giovanni Manu, Isaiah Williams and Loren Strickland were inactive, while Christian Mahogany remains on the non-football injury list.

Q: How are things looking for James Houston? Is he going to get playing time, to put on the trade block, none of the above? — Erich Randall

Q: Does Dan Campbell hate James Houston? — @Section344Lions

Q: Is there a disconnect between the front office and coaching staff regarding James Houston? — @chronicalonlion

Justin: Man, Houston’s roster status is putting you guys through the emotional wringer, isn’t it?

Honestly, the Lions have been reasonably transparent about Houston’s schematic limitations and why it’s keeping him pinned to the sideline. He’s really, really good at rushing the passer. But he’s below-average against the run, struggled mightily with the team’s effort to develop him as an off-ball option, and he’s a below-average contributor on special teams.

Additionally, he doesn’t rush the passer the way the Lions prefer within their scheme. Houston is uniquely bendy. That means he's at his best dipping around the outside shoulder of the offensive tackle. The Lions prefer a pocket-crusher, who can collapse the QB's area of operation while simultaneously taking away escape lanes.

I don’t know if Houston gets the bump to the active roster with Marcus Davenport likely inactive this week. It certainly feels like a realistic possibility, but I’d still venture to guess Levi Onwuzurike and Josh Paschal get more of those reps because they play with that pocket-crushing, edge-setting style.

Q: Marcus Davenport is listed as doubtful with a groin injury. Have you seen on tape where he may have injured it during the Rams game? Is it noticeable when you've seen him around Allen Park? — Matt Hunter

Q: Have we seen the last of Davenport? — Mike Steggerda

Justin: No, I didn’t see the injury on tape, and there was nothing to his gait in the locker room this week that would suggest it was serious. As with any player, I asked him if he had any update or comment on the injury and he politely declined.

That’s his right. And given the immediate and aggressive takes from fans like Mike's, I probably wouldn’t want to talk about it, either. The durability issues he's battled the last two years aren't a secret, so I’m sure he’s as frustrated as anyone.

Unless the Lions place him on injured reserve on Saturday — which I don’t expect — it’s likely not a long-term concern.

Q: With how much the Lions are utilizing Derrick Barnes, it seems he is going to be a offseason priority. Do you think he signs a deal with the Lions before he hits free agency? — Jason Harwood

Justin: It’s a good question. I would have probably leaned no entering the offseason program, and even Week 1, but Barnes has increasingly proven his versatility and value on defense. On top of that, I think there’s still a significant amount of untapped potential, especially if he can unlock some of the pass-rush ability he showed at Purdue.

I still believe Alim McNeill is the team's top priority, but Barnes wouldn’t be much further down the list. The rapport between the team and player is good enough that they could allow him to test the open market, determine his value and be given the opportunity to match.

Q: Seems like more times than not our offense comes out flat after the half, even when they get things going early. What are your thoughts on this? — Ryan Rodarmer

Justin: Even with the significant carryover in personnel and coaching, I don’t believe last season has much bearing on the current campaign.

Here’s what I know; the Lions scored a touchdown in the third quarter and only one team averaged more than seven points in the third frame in 2023.

Yes, the two three-and-outs sandwiching the scoring drive were problematic. You never want a three-and-out, let alone two in three possessions, but the Lions worked into third-and-manageable situations on both failed drives.

Maybe you rethink the decision to run on first and second down to open each of those series, but why have the best offensive line in the NFL and a stellar backfield tandem if you can't trust them?

I'd say check back with me in October and we'll see if we're feeling the same level of concern about the third quarter.

Q: I share your concern about Jack Campbell in coverage, Justin. Will the Bucs try to pick on him specifically? — John Lawton

Justin: I’d hardly characterize a one-game observation as a concern. Campbell is still a young, relatively inexperienced player. Even if expectations are loftier because he was drafted in the first round, development isn’t guaranteed to be accelerated or linear.

I did see a lot of positive progress with Campbell’s coverage ability during training camp, and I suspect we’ll see notable strides throughout his second season. Will the Buccaneers test him while he strives for greater consistency in that department? I’m sure, to an extent. A central component of most game planning is exploiting weaknesses.

Q: Based on the success you’ve had by moving to this platform of reporting, do you foresee a lot of other seasoned sports reporters following in your footsteps? — Sam Kraut

Justin: I believe there was tremendous value in being first in this market. And I suspect there will be curiosity if I’m able to sustain my early success. If others want to give it a go, I would absolutely be supportive.

This path will always require a few things: A financial safety net to provide a runway if things start slowly, a pre-established audience who values your work, high-level organizational skills, and a willingness to work harder than you ever have before.

While I’m not in tune with my colleagues' bank accounts, I think most would check the other boxes.

Q: Who would be your top three picks for the Super Bowl halftime show? — Jamelle Cooper

Justin: Damn it, Jamelle. This is the most difficult question I’ll face all week.

I’ve gone through many musical phases in my life, most of which wouldn’t fit the standard Super Bowl mold of pop culture megastars.

I did see a headline this week that Lil Wayne had been pushing to perform and I’d be very OK with that. I also love that Kendrick Lamar got the call this year.

I’m out on Drake. Sorry, I've never been a fan. From that genre, I think J. Cole, Jay Z or Chance would be entertaining, although the latter probably isn't big enough.

Oh, man, what about an Outkast reunion? That would be in my three, for sure.

Outside of hip-hop, I’m assuming Elton John is staying retired, but he’d be perfect. Or if we’re going arena rock, AC/DC feels like a solid choice from the list of bands that haven’t done it before.

I could also see some real appeal to Foo Fighters.

Q: What is the level of concern that Sewell’s ankle injury lasts through multiple games, if not nagging all season? — Don Peterson

Justin: It’s not a dreaded high-ankle sprain, so I don’t think there’s concern about it being a season-long issue. Could it be sore for a few weeks? Sure. But with steady treatment and a good tape job, he should be fine to play through it.

Q: When I re-watched the Rams game, it was maddening how many times we threw the ball 2 yards short of the first-down marker on third down. Was that ever addressed with the coaches this week? — Rob Crawford

Justin: It’s easy to say every receiver needs to run beyond the sticks, but those route depths are intentional for the spacing of the entire play design. Plus, even if a short option ends up being the target, they should be in position to extend the drive after the catch.

Of course, many times the defense is in the right coverage to take it all away. The Rams made some nice coverage choices, paired with effective pressure generation up front, which helped get many of those stops.

Still, the Lions finished 6-for-13 on third down, or 46.2%. That would have been good for sixth in the NFL last season.

Q: What is your pregame routine Justin? — Rachel Hopmayer

Justin: It’s honestly pretty boring, Rachel. I’m typically up by 7 a.m., I spend some time with the family in the morning, shower, pack up and head to the stadium around 9:30 a.m. Most Sundays, I skip breakfast because I know I'm going to end up abusing my body with junk food at the stadium.

Once I arrive, I like to get set up with my notepad, recorder, binoculars and laptop, opening a specific series of browser tabs, including three different boxscores, Twitter, the DFN chat area and YouTube TV, for the broadcast version of the game.

I’ll typically eat the meal provided in the press box between 11-11:30, have conversations with several colleagues, knock out a radio interview if I have one scheduled and monitor pre-game warmups for any interesting sideline visitors or lineup developments.

Q: Can the Lions trade for Haason Reddick? — Diego Ospina

Justin: Can they? Sure. They have the cap space. But I don’t see that scenario playing out. It’s some of what we talked about with Houston earlier, where Reddick isn’t the ideal fit for the scheme based on his size and rushing style.

Plus, he’s holding out because he wants a new deal. That means he’s going to expect that extension wherever he’s dealt. That, above everything else, kills the thought. The Lions need to pay Hutchinson and Alim McNeill. They’re not going to be keen on giving the soon-to-be 30-year-old Reddick a four-year deal, likely averaging $25 million or more per season.

Q: Is the concept of a "bend but don't break defense" sustainable as a defensive identity? — Dan Winther

Justin: It’s not ideal, and you’ll always strive to limit yardage as much as points, but you can usually find a team or two each season that has success with bend-don’t-break execution.

From the 2023 season, Tampa Bay is a strong example, allowing more than 340 yards per game, but only 19.1 points. That’s bottom-10 in the first category, top-10 in the far more important latter.

The keys to a successful bend-don’t-break unit are red zone efficiency and the ability to generate turnovers. By allowing opponents to cross the goal line just 45% of their trips inside the 20-yard line, the Buccaneers were the NFL's third-best red-zone defense.

Additionally, they forced a respectable 26 turnovers, which was middle of the pack, but only five off the league lead.

While the Lions iron out some of their chemistry issues, particularly in the back end, their ability to hold the Rams out of the end zone on three of five red zone trips, including one possession ending with a takeaway, is a good recipe for success.

Q: How do the Lions, in the flow of the game, communicate acceptable risk to Goff and Hooker? — @MyTardis_

Justin: Those conversations would happen throughout the offseason program and the week of practice leading up to games via situational drills. Things may be re-emphasized between drives, or the start of a new series during the game, but I’m doubtful Goff, with his experience, needs reminders on when to be conservative with his decision-making and throws.

Q: With you being on the beat for quite awhile, were the majority of the Lions beat reporters always as tight as they seem now and I just didn’t notice? — James Phelan

Justin: I’d rather build bridges than walls with my social relationships, so I’ve always looked to have positive relationships with people on the beat. I see guys like Dave Birkett more than a hundred times per year, while there were dozens of colleagues I never met face-to-face during my lengthy tenures at the Detroit News and MLive.

I think there's little to be gained by letting your professional competitiveness impact your ability to have a good personal relationship.

If you were to take the analysis deeper, there’s probably something to be said about the expansion of social media, the massive increase in local coverage, and the NFL’s national partnerships with ESPN and its own network making some of the old-school coverage battlegrounds where animosity was fostered irrelevant.