Detroit Lions: 3 Vital statistics for 2019 season

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It would prove to be an erratic year for one of the better passers in the league. But 10-year quarterback Matthew Stafford didn’t appear to be his usual prolific self in 2018 and it’s essential that he bounce back this fall if the Lions are going to escape the NFC North basement.

A look at last season’s numbers shows that while the strong-armed signal-caller did complete 66.1 percent of his passes, he threw for only 3,777 yards. It was the lowest total by Stafford in any of the eight seasons in which he’s played in all 16 games. His 6.8 yards per attempt and 21 aerial scores were his lowest totals since 2012. And the veteran performer finished with 15 turnovers courtesy of 11 interceptions and four lost fumbles.

Of course, better balance on offense would certainly help and that could come in a revamped attack spearheaded by new coordinator Darrell Bevell, who made his mark with the ground game and the Seattle Seahawks.

If second-year running back Kerryon Johnson — who ran for a team-high 641 yards (three touchdowns) despite missing six games — can remain healthy and veteran C.J. Anderson can log his share of carries, Stafford will no longer have to worry about being a one-man show.