Detroit Lions: Ranking the top 10 quarterbacks in franchise history

2.) Matthew Stafford

Now, the Stafford detractors will object to this. And while stats were not a big factor in compiling this list, when a player holds every team record, then they have to sit pretty high on any team’s all-time rankings.

Stafford was the result of the Detroit Lions 0-16 record in 2008. With the first pick in the 2009 NFL draft, Detroit selected Stafford as the man to lead them to glory. Unfortunately, he hasn’t as yet. But in the ultimate team game Stafford has played on some poor teams where he’s had little help.

Outside of one season, the Lions defense has been pedestrian at best, there has been only one 1,000 yard rusher in Stafford’s decade at the helm, at one point the Lions had no reliable receiver outside of Calvin Johnson that could consistently catch the ball and the offensive line has allowed him to be continually brutalized over the years.

Now to be fair, Matthew has also made his share of mistakes as well. No player is perfect and Matthew has had his struggles too, but he has led them to three playoff appearances. He hasn’t been horrible in the playoffs, but he also hasn’t lifted his level of play or the play of his team on the big stage.

In 2016 he set an all-time NFL record of leading the Lions to eight come from behind victories. Matthew is currently tied for 10th place in NFL history with 28 come-from-behind wins.

He has demonstrated the ability to play his best when the game is on the line, now the Lions all-time leading passer has to do it in the playoffs. With a roster that finally has enough talent to allow the Lions to contend, Matthew has to step up and get the Lions to the playoffs and win there.

Until he strikes postseason gold, he cannot advance any higher up this list. Which leads us to the Lions’ greatest quarterback in team history.