Are the Detroit Lions wasting quarterback Matthew Stafford’s best years by not providing him with the proper supporting cast to win in the postseason?
Every NFL player has a shelf life. Some players, like former Detroit Lions‘ superstar wide receiver Calvin Johnson, determine for themselves how long that is. For most others, their bodies eventually start telling them when it’s time over.
It’s the responsibility of every organization, front office and coaching staff to make sure they are not wasting the best years of a player’s career and getting the most out of them as a team.
In the case of Lions’ quarterback Matthew Stafford, you are talking about a legendary career. A player who will likely go down as the greatest quarterback ever to wear a Lions’ uniform. Making sure you are not wasting the best years of his career is paramount.
But the fact Stafford has yet to win a single playoff game during his eight years in Detroit is evidence that this Lions’ organization is doing just that. And it’s his legacy that may ultimately suffer for it.
"“How many playoff wins does Stafford have? That’s right, zero. Zip. Zilch. He’s 0-3 in playoff starts,” answered ESPN Green Bay Packers’ reporter Rob Demovsky when asked about Stafford’s ranking among his peers. “Now, that’s not the only measure of a quarterback. After all, Mark Sanchez has four playoff wins. But for Stafford to make that jump into the next category with quarterbacks such as Matt Ryan, Andrew Luck and Cam Newton, he’s going to need to do something in the postseason.”"
Honestly, Stafford hasn’t had the best group around him during his time in Detroit to warrant more postseason success. But still, the point is more than valid.
Although playoff wins aren’t the sole evidence of a quarterback’s greatness, it is certainly a required part of a Hall of Fame resume. And as arguably the Lions’ greatest quarterback in franchise history, that has to be a goal.
Although Stafford himself is responsible for how he plays, the Lions’ front office must add the proper pieces around him to insure his best years aren’t being wasted. That should be a major consideration when the 29-year old quarterback considers signing an extension to stay in Detroit for the foreseeable future.
Last season, the Lions ranked 21st in total offense. They finished 11th in passing offense, but a lowly 30th in rushing. As for Stafford himself, he was sacked 37 times. Obviously the offensive line and rushing attack are big concerns in Detroit and have been for years.
Defensively, the Lions ranked 18th in total “D”.. Against the pass, Detroit was 19th and 18th against the run. But the defense struggled to get to opposing quarterbacks last season recording just 26.0 sacks, tied for the second lowest total in the NFL last season.
A health Ziggy Ansah should improve that statistic in 2017. But again, little was done by the Lions’ front office in the offseason to aid their ailing pass rush.
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Bottom line is the Detroit Lions must work harder to provide Matthew Stafford a strong supporting cast in order to take full advantage of what should be a Hall of Fame career. If they don’t, they are doing themselves, Stafford and every Lions’ fan a tremendous disservice.