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Detroit Lions: Amazing Matthew Stafford stat fans will love

By Steven Mullenax

ARLINGTON, TX - JANUARY 04: Quarterback Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions celebrates the 18-yard rushing touchdown by running back Reggie Bush #21 in the first quarter against the Dallas Cowboys during the NFC Wildcard Playoff Game at AT&T Stadium on January 4, 2015 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - JANUARY 04: Quarterback Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions celebrates the 18-yard rushing touchdown by running back Reggie Bush #21 in the first quarter against the Dallas Cowboys during the NFC Wildcard Playoff Game at AT&T Stadium on January 4, 2015 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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Detroit Lions’ fans should be amazed at how well their quarterback, Matthew Stafford, is playing despite the lack of a proper support system in the Motor City.

The Detroit Lions have a very good chance of pushing their winning streak to three games this Sunday as they face the struggling Cincinnati Bengals at home. And one of the reason why is the play of quarterback Matthew Stafford.

The highest paid player in the NFL, Stafford is automatically expected to carry the bulk of the Lions’ offense anytime he’s under center. It’s to the point where Detroit has all but abandoned their running game, relying solely on the arm of the 29-year old passer to win ball games. And when Stafford has a rare “off” day, fans are left in shock.

Luckily for them, Stafford has been on fire as of late. And now the Lions have a legitimate chance of winning a playoff bid due to the team’s late surge, winning five of their last seven games.

But first, Detroit must get pass their next two opponents: The Cincinnati Bengals and the Green Bay Packers. A relatively easy task considering the Bengals’ difficulties as of late and the fact Packers’ quarterback Aaron Rodgers has returned to Injured Reserve.

But undoubtedly the Lions’ biggest ace in the hole is Stafford. In his last three games, the ninth-year veteran has posted a bit of a historic run.

"“[Matthew] Stafford has completed more than 75 percent of his passes in each of his last three games,” reported Around the NFL writer Kevin Patra on the league’s official website. “He is the first Lions starting QB to do so since at least 1970. The only other quarterback to accomplish the feat this season is Alex Smith (Weeks 1-3).”"

In Stafford’s last three outings, he’s completed 85 of his 106 passes for a total of 910 yards, four touchdowns and three interceptions. On the year so far, he’s completed 66.3% of his passes for 3,920 yards, 25 touchdowns and nine interceptions in 14 games.

And Stafford has been able to succeed under immense pressure, having been sacked a whopping 43 times already this season. That’s the second most in the NFL!

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Nearly on his own, Matthew Stafford has been able to lift the Detroit Lions to having the 13th best total offense in the NFL. That’s despite their rushing offense ranking 31st in the league, recording only 1,083 yards on the ground so far this season. Stafford is truly the MVP of this team. And fans should be amazed at how well he is playing without much of a support system.

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