Detroit Lions: Matthew Stafford is a gunslinger once again

Over the offseason perhaps the most overly analyzed move the Lions made was the hiring of new offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell. This was the move that would ensure that Matthew would almost never get to throw the ball again. It would be a run, run, run offense that would control the clock and keep Matthew from losing games.

Ironically enough, it has been anything but.

While these Lions are trying to build a consistent ground game, it is still coming back to Matthew Stafford to be the key ingredient that makes the offense work. The problem is that this new Darrell Bevell offense is still a work in progress.

A new system takes time to learn. Especially given as few snaps as it has had in game situations so far.

So the fact that it is taking time for this Lions offense to find its groove, isn’t a concern to me. As a matter of fact, it’s less of a concern than the defensive line being M.I.A. since the first half of the Cardinals game.

While the transition hasn’t been smooth, it has shown quite a bit of promise. It has also demonstrated one of the key ingredients needed to be productive in the NFL these days; diversity.

If you watched both of the Lions first two games, you probably felt like the rushing attack has had some plays very close to being big runs. The play of the offensive line was improved against the Chargers and that helped create more opportunities to make plays.

You would also notice that Matthew Stafford has been de-brain washed to stop playing like he’s terrified of turnovers. Bevell has allowed him to embrace his inner gunslinger and do what any quarterback with a cannon for arm should; Throw the ball.

There have been a lot of fans I’ve spoken to who believe the Lions future would be brighter if they had Baker Mayfield under center. Yet over the last 16 regular-season games, Mayfield has thrown more interceptions than any other quarterback in the NFL. Including Matthew Stafford.