In a move that some might call risky, the Detroit Lions are wasting no time throwing their number one draft pick into the lion’s den. Stafford will start the season as the number one man under center. First up for Stafford is the New Orleans Saints. Nice draw, rookie.
Stafford seems to have all the tools to be a top shelf NFL quarterback. The problem is, few NFL rookie quarterbacks actually perform well when thrown into the fire so quickly. The last couple of seasons have seen some exceptions to this rule however. Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco come to mind from last year. But for every Ryan there is a Rick Mirer in the history of the NFL.
Stafford has looked pretty darn sharp in preseason play. He is not without any weapons by any means. Calvin Johnson is about as good as it gets at the wide out position, and the Lions are vastly improved along the offensive line. (though they were terrible and only got better)
The Lions are going to struggle at some point. That much is a given. How will Stafford, and the Lion’s fans handle that struggle? That is the real question here. The rookie will have to grow a very short memory to find his way in the rough and tumble NFC.
The Saints are actually a pretty good first match up for Stafford. He should be facing plenty of points against one of the best offenses in the NFL. Drew Brees will put up some points for sure. Given this, Stafford should be throwing the ball alot.
It will be interesting to see if the Lions will attempt to bring along Stafford like the Falcons did with Ryan, and the Ravens did with Flacco. It is unlikely, because they do not have the horses at running back that the Falcons had, and they do not have the defense that the Ravens had. Stafford will have to throw the football and often. That much is certain.
In a world where NFL football fans turn on you in a flash, Stafford really needs to have a good performance on Sunday. Win or lose, if he performs well the Lion’s fans will rally around him. That will do wonders for his state of mind, and that is half the battle on a field of warriors. If he believes in himself, he has the tools to do well.
Matthew Stafford has made the ultimate jump. College starter to NFL starter in one year is a huge deal. Hopefully, he will not be overwhelmed and relegated to the trash heap of former number one quarterbacks that never made the cut.
