Detroit Lions’ Matthew Stafford Impressive Enough To Win

By Steve Ungrey on October 12, 2014

Pundits and skeptics everywhere keep waiting for Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford to take his game to the next level. After all, they argue, Stafford must improve if the Lions are to shed the “Same old Lions” tag that has hung over many a Lions team since… well, forever.

Stafford’s numbers weren’t overly impressive in his team’s 17-3 win over the Minnesota Vikings in Week 6, but they were good enough to win. As a result, the Lions are in first place in the NFC North. Yes. Repeat after me. The Lions are in first place in the NFC North. The skeptics will say, “yes, but for how long?”

Here’s the shock. It could last.

New Lions coach Jim Caldwell has worked closely with Stafford, and as a result, his numbers haven’t been gaudy, but they have been strong enough to work out.

Remember past seasons where Stafford threw for 5,000 yards, but the Lions stunk up the joint? Thought so. The reality is, with Golden Tate now playing wide receiver to help out Calvin Johnson, the team has more offensive weapons.

The Lions also have some semblance of a running game, as Joique Bell has spelled Reggie Bush in admirable fashion.

What else has emerged is a punishing defense. Vikings rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater was sacked five times and picked off three times, as the defense helped take some pressure off the Lions offense because Minnesota couldn’t score.

The Lions still may blow it this season. Fans are conditioned to it. The inevitable second-half collapse may come, and if it does Caldwell can point to injuries, an ineffective early-season kicking game and lack of a solid secondary as excuses.

They won’t be able to point to Stafford. He has done whatever possible to keep the Lions from looking like the “same old Lions” early on.