Detroit Lions: Full Position Breakdown and Depth-Chart Analysis at Quarterback

The Detroit Lions have a quarterback controversy, but there won't be any national coverage. 

That's probably because Matthew Stafford's job is secure. Kellen Moore's headline appeal drops off considerably once you venture outside of Michigan, with a couple of hot spots in Idaho. He doesn't drive a conversation like a certain Philadelphia Eagles backup quarterback. And Dan Orlovsky can only dream of Moore's notoriety.

However, the lack of countrywide exposure doesn't make this battle insignificant. While Stafford has started 64 straight games, one awkward landing can break the streak and put the season in jeopardy. Moore and Orlovsky are the insurance policies against the unthinkable. 

But before we dive into the depressing deep end, let's wade through some thoughts about Stafford's upcoming season.

(Don't worry. I knocked on seven different types of wood, Formica, whatever Ikea uses and the cat just to be safe. The jinx gods have been appeased.)

Rick Osentoski/Associated Press

What can we expect from Stafford in 2015?

The fireworks weren't there last season. The faint wisps of smoke were often followed by duds and black snakes instead of large explosions and touchdowns. 

More importantly, Stafford didn't look like himself. The gunslinger was gone, replaced by a risk-averse robot B/R NFL National Lead Writer Ty Schalter thought had "lost [its] edge." And the evidence, provided here by Pride of Detroit's Justin Simon, bears that out:

"

Can't believe Stafford didn't pull the trigger on this one. Took a sack instead. Ebron was wide open. #Lions pic.twitter.com/BGTMrlsC5P

— Justin Simon (@justincsimon) May 25, 2015"

The Stafford of yesteryear would have let that rip quickly. Last year's version only cut loose during frantic comeback attempts when all of the conservative options had been removed. 

And that's why there's hope for Stafford in 2015. He can put up prolific numbers, but head coach Jim Caldwell understood that Stafford's interceptions were offsetting his productivity. Caldwell, offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi and quarterbacks coach Jim Bob Cooter set about reprogramming Stafford so that he would learn that while he can make all the throws, there are some he shouldn't. 

Rick Osentoski/Associated Press

That lesson was learned. Stafford threw 12 interceptions in 16 games, which is his career low for a complete season. Now the thought is that an extra year in the system will make the reads easier, leading to more aggressive throws that don't put the team in bad situations.

What's the backup plan?

Caldwell never wavered in his support of Orlovsky last August. Even when Moore put on better performances throughout the preseason, logging a passer rating that was almost 28 points higher along the way, Caldwell remained steadfast that Orlovsky was his No. 2.

Now, not so much.

"

Mayhew expects Kellen Moore to have a chance to compete for No 2 QB job

— Kyle Meinke (@kmeinke) March 23, 2015"

Orlovsky's experience advantage was overblown from the beginning. Not that Moore was ready last year, but Orlovsky's years of service shouldn't be too highly valued when his most "popular" highlight is a safety. And his arm-strength edge isn't enough to keep Moore down for long.

Plus, Lombardi's complicated scheme actually favors the the youngster from Boise State. Head coach Jim Caldwell recently explained Moore's value to Kyle Meinke of MLive.com, and it should help shed light on why Moore received more guaranteed money, per Spotrac.com, than Orlovsky:

"

"Guys that throw the ball accurately? Guys that understand the system? Guys that can think on their feet? They all have a chance in most systems," Caldwell said. "He may not be as tall as some guys, but he's got some qualities that you really like.

"We'll see how it goes, but he's been developing. He's smart. Works hard. Coach's son. The whole bit. Kellen is a good prospect."

"

Those are the major reasons Moore seems poised to seize the backup job. He had a better grasp of the offense than Orlovsky last season and proved it on the field with decisive action. While the veteran signal-caller looked to be thinking his way through his reads, Moore was in charge.

The best example was his game-winning drive against the Cleveland Browns last preseason. He barked out commands to his teammates and remained calm in the pocket until his perfectly thrown ball landed softly in Corey Fuller's hands.

The Lions won't hand the job to Moore. However, for the first time in his young career, he'll have a chance to grab it, and he might have the tools to do it.

Brandon Alisoglu is a Detroit Lions Featured Columnist who has written about the Lions on multiple sites. He also co-hosts a Lions-centric podcast, Lions Central Radio. Yell at him on Twitter about how wrong he is @BrandonAlisoglu.