A New Hope: Hartmann Trade Addresses Most Pressing Need

by Finz | 4 years ago | 1 Comments

When news broke of a trade between the Lions and the Browns, fans were skeptical. Not due to the move per say, but because of roster decisions made by the previous regime. 

 

The Lions have struggled this season, despite having some talented players on both sides of the ball. One would argue that they have struggled because they are lacking talent at the most critical position on a football team: Quarterback. 

 

Enter Maxwell Hartmann.

 

Hartmann, the 23 year old, 6’3, 230 lb QB out of Florida, comes to an organization looking for stability at the quarterback position. A two year starter in Cleveland before they decided to go in a different direction, Hartmann looks to help the Lions get back to winning football games. 

 

While he has some success throwing touchdown passes, a quick look at his previous statistics shows a troubling trend: turnovers. In two seasons in Cleveland, Hartman threw a whopping 58 interceptions. In his first game in Detroit yesterday against his old team, he threw 3. Those are explainable, for the most part, as he had only one day to practice with his new team and the Lions were down for the entire second half. The real issue is, can he keep those numbers down in the games ahead. 

 

Coach Matt Patrica has a tough job ahead of him. Trying to let Hartmann grow as a passer, while trying to cut down on the turnovers, will be challenging. When asked how he is going to approach this, Patricia said “We need to implement a game plan that is suited to his strengths. He has a cannon of an arm, but that doesn’t mean we need to throw it deep all the time. We will work on his decision making. It's okay to take shots but sometimes you need to let your playmakers make plays. Look at the last game. He hit Wiggins on a drag route and Wiggins does what he does best, makes plays. He took that to the house. Sometimes, less is more. Hartmann needs to take what he’s given and we will be fine. I am not concerned at all.”

 

Part of the issue facing Hartmann’s success is the lack of an every down running back. Starting running back Khalil Brooks has fared well so far but sources inside the front office say that while Brooks has had some good games, he isn’t viewed as a long term option at the position and they are currently looking at trade options. 

 

The move makes sense. Having a legitimate running game will ease the pressure on Hartmann and free up some passing lanes that will help make the Lions more diverse on offense.  

 

Only time will tell whether Hartmann proves to be the long term option that will carry the Lions through the end of this cycle but it doesn’t take a genius to see that he does provide a much needed upgrade at the most important position in football.