As a backup quarterback in the NFL, you never know when your name will get called.
Detroit Lions veteran Teddy Bridgewater proved he was ready for the moment, leading fans on social media to call his name a whole lot more.
Bridgewater, 32, had to come in to replace Jared Goff in the first half of the Detroit’s divisional round NFL playoff game against the Washington Commanders. It was his first appearance in a Lions game since Oct. 8, 2023.
Goff went to the locker room in the second quarter to be evaluated for a concussion following a brutal hit by Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu. The hit occurred as the Lions’ starting quarterback attempted to chase down the Commanders’ Quan Martin after throwing a backbreaking interception that was returned for a touchdown.
When Detroit got the ball back after the pick-six, Bridgewater was thrown straight into the game facing a 24-14 deficit. All he did was lead a three-play, 73-yard drive to bring the Lions back within one score.
Detroit Lions quarterbacks Teddy Bridgewater (left) and Jared Goff (right).
Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Goff was cleared to return to the game before halftime, sending Bridgewater back to the bench. However, Goff closed the first half by throwing another interception, leaving fans to wonder if he was the best option to finish the game at quarterback with the Lions trailing by 10 at the break.
“Detroit should’ve kept Teddy Bridgewater in the game.” wrote a fan on X.
“Seriously Teddy Bridgewater might give you a better chance to win today,” said another post.
Goff’s two first-half interceptions matched the total number of picks he had thrown in his other nine playoff games combined for the Lions and Los Angeles Rams.
“Goff is horrendous,” wrote a frustrated fan. “Put in Teddy Bridgewater. He couldn’t do any worse.”
“Can Teddy Bridgewater play the entire 2nd Half please?” begged a fan.
Bridgewater only threw one pass in his brief first half cameo, a 3-yard completion. Fans did not get their wish to see more of the journeyman quarterback in the third quarter as Goff started the second half for Dan Campbell’s team.
