Mon Sep 07, 2009 1:27 pm EDT
The Lions officially hand the keys to young Matthew Stafford
By MJD
On behalf of NFL fans everywhere, I'd like to extend my warmest thanks to Detroit Lions head coach Jim Schwartz. Schwartz just named Matthew Stafford as his starting quarterback to open the 2009 season, which makes the Lions about 700% more interesting.
It's nothing against Daunte Culpepper -- in terms of wins and losses, I don't even know that the Lions made the right call here -- but from a fan's perspective, Stafford is so much more appealing. Daunte Culpepper's upside is still hanging out back in 2004, while Stafford's upside is off the charts.
Yes, being a rookie, he will peg the occasional defender in the chest with a gift interception. But he's also got the cannon to make some brilliant throws downfield to the uncoverable Calvin Johnson. I'll take Stafford's flashes of brilliance over the slow and steady flow of mediocrity that oozes out of Culpepper.
The decision to go with Stafford gives us another entrant into the Rookie of the Year contest, and will also allow for direct comparisons to fellow rookie signal caller, Mark Sanchez(notes) of the Jets.
For fans, I think it's a win-win. For the Lions, it might be a loss-loss-loss, the odd win here and there, loss-loss-loss-loss, but that was probably going to the case, no matter who started. Now, at least it's a little more interesting.
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I disagree. I think the change is just what a boring ailing offense needed. Its fresh blood and new life to a team given last rites fourteen times last season.
He does have a gun on him. Not supurbly accurate, but he can gun that ball downfield and let his receivers do their thing. Dante... well.... if I was unable to sleep he was the best prescription. Three and out and I was out snoring. I doubt anyone will sleep this year.
I like to think the Lions will be a pleasant surprise this year. At least the Lions will have an opportunity for a deep threat this year.
Rags
