Detroit Lions: Matthew Stafford’s shifting responsibilities

The Detroit Lions are asking for less from Matthew Stafford in terms of number of throws. But more out of him when it comes to managing this team to wins.

A few weeks ago, Chris Simms of Pro Football Talk (PFT) named Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford as the fourteenth best in the NFL.

Certainly, it would have been nice to hear that Stafford was up in the top five. But after a sub-par 2018, it spoke well of Stafford that he was still in the top half of the league.

Last year was tough for Matthew. He just didn’t look right for the first time in his career, although an injury to his back may have played a role.

Simms had an interesting take as to why Stafford struggled last season when he spoke on PFT Live (06-18-19, “#2”):

"“The biggest thing… was the culture change in Detroit. The offensive style of change – I think took its toll on Matthew Stafford and his play. And he realized: wow, it’s not necessarily easy to manage a football game.”"

It really is something to consider. This new commitment to a run game has meant fewer chances for Stafford to just let loose with his arm. It also adds a bit more pressure to the throws he is allowed to make because there are fewer opportunities.

Offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter didn’t seem to help much last year either. Although, Cooter might have been as unsure about the change in offensive philosophy as was Stafford. This all resulted in an offense that was predictable and never really took off the way that it should.

To be fair, the offense’s best chance was when rookie running back Kerryon Johnson was healthy. Kerryon’s 5.4 yard average per carry was the best for a Detroit Lions leading rusher since Barry Sanders donned the Honolulu Blue and Silver (Source: The Football Database). Now, the Detroit Lions just need sixteen healthy games and some more trips to the end zone, and Johnson could be something special.

Stafford has never had the steady regime, coaching staff, or roster that is best suited for winning in the NFL. The hope is that general manager Bob Quinn and head coach Matt Patricia are on their way to changing that.

If Stafford were given a consistent shut-down defense and a reliable running game to balance the offense, the question becomes whether or not he can do just enough to secure the victory. Matthew has a knack for comebacks, and his arm is certainly as good as any in the NFL. But this is a big shift in responsibility for the 10-year veteran.

This is definitely the direction that the Detroit Lions have chosen. Hopefully, year two of Patricia’s plan takes shape and gives this team (and Stafford) a blueprint for winning games. It is easy to doubt that this season will be some 12-victory miracle. It is also easy to wonder what will be enough to stay the course: Eight wins? nine wins? Is that real improvement, or just more of the same?

If this season turns out to be another 8-9 win year with the possibility of playoffs, it could mean this Quinn/Patricia/Stafford combo is together again in 2020. But the next logical step will have to be a division win and some real noise in the playoffs.

It’s a long-term play. If it works, maybe Stafford’s story can finally have the happy ending it deserves. He clearly cares about winning and tries to be a good soldier when it comes to what is asked of him. But another failed season will do Matthew and everyone in charge absolutely no good.