The next step in Matt Stafford’s game
By Jack Ozark
This year Matt Stafford quieted those screaming that he isn’t a franchise quarterback yet again. In his first full year with Jim Bob Cooter calling plays, Stafford looked sharp and helped carry this team back into the playoffs once again. However, he still has some hurdles to jump if he really wants to solidify himself as one of the best Detroit Lions ever. And other than the obvious of winning that elusive playoff game I think it’s time he starts running the offense even more.
In the Divisional round game between the Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys, Aaron Rodgers literally drew up the last play in his hand. He proceeded to rifle the ball into a perfect spot where Jared Cook (who deserves so much more credit for that picturesque toe drag) managed to haul it in and get out of bounds. This play was an all or nothing move by the Packers, but notice what Rodgers didn’t care to do – receive a play call. (Also it kills me to talk up Rodgers but that play was amazing.)
Now Stafford has done this before. His fake spike on the one-yard line might be the one you’re thinking of too. The Dallas Cowboys had no idea what was coming and Stafford took advantage of them taking the play off. This not only showed his leadership, but also the level of smarts he has to know he could make a big play unexpectedly.
So after a red-hot season, the next step is for him to get more comfortable in taking control of the offense. I give him about 5-6 weeks to really kick this idea of understanding the best play call and being on the same page as JBC without even needing to hear from him. This does occur now sometimes. When the Lions go into a hurry up Stafford needs to be aware of what to do next. And what seemed to happen when the Lions were in a hurry up last season? They put up points and screamed efficiency. So many of us have screamed for Detroit to go fast on offense, they have the weapons and they have the quarterback to do so. Yet time after time, the offense crawls to the line and with it, the momentum escapes them.
Stafford is a great quarterback, and if last season proved anything, it’s that he still is improving. Honestly, if not for his finger injury that he won’t admit hindered him, the end of this season could have been a lot different, or not even over yet. But the past is in the past, and next season Stafford will come back better, hopefully adding this, along with a few more new tricks, to his arsenal.
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