Jake McQuaide's poise proves critical stabilizing Lions' long-snapping situation

Allen Park — Unless they're responsible for a colossal blunder, the long snapper might be the most unnoticed position on the football field. It's an easy one to take for granted, because we expect the ball to get from point A to point B without issue.

In Scott Daly, the Lions had a reliable long snapper playing at a high level this season. But that came to an end when he suffered a knee injury before the team's bye. That left the team to search for a replacement, which they quickly found in Jake McQuaide.

It was the easy and logical decision. The 13-year veteran and two-time Pro Bowler had spent a good chunk of the offseason in Detroit, competing for the job with Daly before losing out to the younger incumbant. But in that time, McQuaide showed the team he still had everything it takes to still get the job done, which proved critical when the Lions needed a good snap for a game-winning field goal against the Los Angeles Chargers last Sunday.

"It's very comforting to know we've got a veteran player who has been in big games, has played a lot of plays, and you're not teaching him how to protect, protection, all that stuff, and the snap," Lions special teams coordinator Dave Fipp said.

McQuaide initially came to Detroit, even knowing it would be tough to unseat Daly, because he wanted to be closer to his wife and four children in Cincinnati.

"A chance to compete for that was worth the risk," McQuaide said. "It didn't really work out. And to be honest, I was really upset it didn't work out, but that's just part of this job. You can't lose your confidence while you wait for the next opportunity." 

In the three months since he lost the camp battle, he estimated he had seven or eight workouts that didn't lead to another job. But he stayed patient and ready, snapping into a net in his garage every morning before taking his kids to school, then returning home to work on his conditioning through weights and cardio.

"As bad as it sounds, you're just waiting for somebody to mess up or get hurt," McQuaid said. "You don't wish that on anybody, but that's the reality of the job with just one on every team. That's how you get in, or sometimes how you get out. That's part of being a long snapper, you have a short leash."

With such a long layoff, you'd think nerves could come into play, particularly getting dropped into the thick of a playoff race, but McQuaide's experience and cultivated routine had his mind at ease when making the snap for Riley Patterson's game-winning kick.

"Any time you're doing something important, it's less nerves and more you're alive," he said. "That's an important distinction to make. It's not that your nervous, but it's a reminder that it's really important and it means a lot to you. That's more empowering. 

"I've always felt that way going in to every game, so I say a few things to myself, take a deep breath and it's like, hey, I consider myself the best in the world at this," McQuaide continued. "Still do. Have never changed that thought. I've felt that way for a long time, probably the last 10 years. That's the mindset I have, which gives me the relief from nerves."

And like a veteran, he ran down the field after the kick to retrieve the ball while the rest of the team celebrated, preserving the memento for Patterson.

"That's long-snapper etiquette," McQuaide said. "That's part of the job, especially for a road game. You've got to get the ball for your guy. It means a lot to those guys."

Backup plans

The Lions might need another backup on special teams this week, pending Kalif Raymond's status heading into Sunday's game with Chicago. The All-Pro punt returner is dealing with a sprained ankle, which could affect his ability to handle those duties, whether he's active for the contest or not.

If Raymond can't handle punts, Fipp said the replacement plan likely will come down to one of three guys.

"Providing Donovan Peoples-Jones were active, he would definitely be an option," Fipp said. "That's new for us, but obviously he was doing that earlier this year with Cleveland. ... (Amon-Ra) St. Brown has always been a great option for us back there in multiple games. He's kind of been the emergency plan, a great ball-fielder for us. So those would be two of them. (Khalil) Dorsey has got some experience, (as well). We've got a number of guys who could go back there, but those would be the top of the list."

jdrogers@detroitnews.com

@Justin_Rogers