Ranking NFC North starting quarterbacks entering 2019
By Lucas Schuh
3. Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions brought in a new head coach in Matt Patricia last offseason. With the addition of Patricia, the Lions finished last in the NFC North with a 6-10 record. Patricia does not deserve all of the blame, though, because Matthew Stafford had his share of struggles at quarterback.
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Stafford always fell into that range of good-not-great quarterbacks, but his 2018 season was sub-standard. He finished the season averaging 236 yards per game and with 21 touchdowns on the year. However, his 66.1 percent completion rate (the second highest of his career) was the saving grace of his stat-line.
Stafford is still a good quarterback and has the qualities you want in a franchise signal-caller. However, he needs the proper help around him. Luckily for Stafford, the Lions made some good moves in the 2019 offseason by boosting their defense with the likes of Trey Flowers while also giving Stafford more weapons in the form of Danny Amendola and T.J Hockenson.
The Lions also made a move in the coaching staff, hiring new offensive coordinator in Darell Bevell. Bevell was long-time offensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks and did well for them until he was let go after the 2017 season. Hopefully for Lions fans, Bevell can help out this offense and help find ways to utilize Stafford and the new group of weapons.