Lions King: Matthew Stafford Finally Playing to His Potential

Matthew Stafford has always had the talent, but the Detroit Lions quarterback seems to have finally turned the corner in the 2016 season

In the NFL, a quarterback hierarchy typically dictates the opinions of many. That hierarchy typically features regular names. Over the past three years, Tom Brady, Cam Newton, Russell Wilson and Aaron Rodgers have all been regarded as some of the very best quarterbacks in the league. Every year, though, one quarterback ascends the quarterback index.

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Last year we saw Kirk Cousins capitalize on Robert Griffin III’s injury. Cousins led the league in completion percentage and showed what he’s capable of. This year, a former No. 1 overall quarterback has reached the upper echelon of quarterback play.

While not many people expected it to happen, Matthew Stafford has been playing like the best quarterback in the NFC. Although he got off to rocky starts, he’s finally playing up to his draft pedigree. The Detroit Lions picked Stafford first overall back in 2009. The Lions needed a franchise quarterback, and they appeared to nab one with the strong-armed ex-Georgia Bulldog.

However, despite his draft pedigree, Stafford lived in the shadow of a larger-than-life receiver. Yes, Stafford was the leader of the offense, but Calvin Johnson was the face of the team. Furthermore, many saddled Stafford’s gaudy stats to the fact that he was throwing to one of the best receivers of all-time.

Because of that, a lot of people expected Stafford to falter in the wake of Megatron’s retirement. That hasn’t been the case at all. The scruffy-faced quarterback has developed into one of the finest quarterbacks in the league. Stafford’s utilized Marvin Jones, Golden Tate III, Andre Roberts and Anquan Boldin effectively week in and week out.

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Thus far, Stafford’s out-quarterbacked the vast majority of the others in the league. His quarterback rating of 105.7 ranks third among starters. Keep in mind, Stafford’s achieving this success sans a strong run game. This offense relies on Stafford’s arm and the Lions need Stafford to be effective for them to win games. The weight of the world has essentially fallen on Stafford’s seasoned shoulders.

So far, no problem.

He’s been playing out of this world. Stafford’s using his signature swagger to will this Lions team to victory. Maybe that’s what’s been propelling Stafford. Perhaps he heard the rumblings of doubt once Megatron announced his retirement.

Stafford sits fourth among quarterbacks for completion percentage, completing an absurd 68 percent of his passes. Additionally, Stafford, whose biggest bugaboo used to be turnovers, has only tossed a mere four interceptions this season. He’s thriving under the tutelage of offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter. For Lions fans, this has to be absolutely phenomenal to watch the 28-year-old Stafford find this much success.

Stafford’s been about everything you’d want in a quarterback. He’s been clutch, consistent—except for one game in Chicago—and effective. Speaking of being clutch, let’s all give credit where it’s due and label Stafford the new Mr. Clutch. I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say there’s no other quarterback in the NFC I’d prefer to have with the game on the line than Stafford.

Saying Stafford’s playing well would be a severe understatement.

Recently, Stafford had another game-winning drive, this time orchestrating a win against the Washington Redskins. He was cool, calm, collected and classic Matthew Stafford. This isn’t the classic oh-he’s-just-throwing-a-lot-of-yards Stafford. He’s been far more than that. Watching him play has been a treat, as Stafford’s done an excellent job spreading the ball around and getting all of his receivers involved.

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Right now, after a lot of waiting, Stafford is the ring leader for the Lions. He’s playing like a serious MVP candidate, which has to be music to Lions fans’ ears. There’s no reason why this impressive performance should stop. Stafford’s got the weapons, and he’s finally playing like a top-10 quarterback.