Detroit Lions: The definitive Matthew Stafford clutch stat

Matthew Stafford in the final two minutes

Using this newer and more specific measurement, how has Matthew Stafford truly performed as the final seconds tick down in a close game? I’m sure that for both his defenders and detractors, some selective memory plays a large part in the type of clutch player Stafford is perceived to be. What do the numbers really say when looked at on a case by case basis?

2018 and 2019

The first two years of Matt Patricia in charge haven’t been any prettier for Stafford in clutch situations than for anybody else around Detroit. Though he had a game winning drive against Carolina in 2018 and the Chargers last year, he’s converted zero of five chances to take the lead when having the ball under the two minute warning in a one possession game.

• Arizona (2019)- tie game with 47 seconds left, Lions punt.
• Kansas City (2019)- trailing 34-30 with 20 seconds left, Hail Mary falls incomplete on the final play.
• Oakland (2019)- trailing 24-17 with 1:58 left, stopped at the one yard line on the final play.
• San Francisco (2018)- trailing 30-27 with 1:08 left, turnover on downs.
• Chicago (2018)- trailing 23-16 (after a pick six thrown by Stafford), interception in the end zone with 1:11 remaining.

Stafford Two Minute Efficiency Rating (2ER) during this stretch: 0 percent (Five opportunities, zero successes).

If we’re looking only at the most recent set of data, there’s not a nice way to say it. Stafford has not been a clutch quarterback over the past two years.