For the Detroit Lions to improve, Matthew Stafford better be locked in

Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
(Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

Despite all the talk of the Detroit Lions new offense revolving around the ground game, quarterback Matthew 0Stafford is still the key.

The 2019 Detroit Lions offense will look different under the watchful eye of new offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell, but not so different that it will eliminate the need for Matthew Stafford to be much better than last season in order for the Lions to take that next step of winning their first playoff game since 1991.

It has been a difficult offseason for Matthew Stafford so far, but things seem to be looking up for him now.

We all know about the procedure his wife, Kelly, underwent on April 17th to remove a benign tumor or acoustic neuroma. Or for the uneducated like me, brain surgery. The normally six-hour procedure turned into a 12-hour affair when complications arose.

Thankfully alls well, that ends well. The procedure was a success and Kelly is on the road to a full recovery, but that didn’t mean that it wasn’t trying for Matthew. But let’s be honest, who wouldn’t be drained from such an ordeal.

Now it’s time to turn his attention back to the Detroit Lions and their quest to bounce back from a disappointing 2018 season. Which also happened to be a disappointing year for Matthew.

Despite all the well wishes that all fans everywhere have poured out for Kelly’s recovery, it’s time to separate those feelings of wanting the best for Matthew and his wife from the feelings of wanting the best out of Matthew this fall.

The offseason is a magical time where hope springs eternal and many fans can only focus on the positive or perceived positive.

Not that there’s anything wrong with looking on the bright side of things. With a team history like the Lions’ over the last 60 years, you better find some positives to keep yourself going. Otherwise, you might just end up on a tower with a high powered rifle.

But that doesn’t mean you should bury your head in the sand or be unrealistic either.