Detroit Lions: 5 lessons learned in latest loss to Bucs

#2 – The Lions are terrible without Matthew Stafford

Two days before the game, I wrote a piece on how the Lions should rest quarterback Matthew Stafford for the rest of the season as he was dealing with injuries and that the team was playing for nothing. Based on what happened this game, I stand corrected.

Stafford lasted only one drive as he had to leave the game with an ankle sprain. On that drive, he threw for 17 yards across two throws in three tries.

Instead of resting him and attempting to get a better draft pick, the Lions sent him out there and put him further at risk of injury in which it resulted in him getting injured.

Once Stafford was no longer in the game, the Lions faltered and played like absolute garbage. The most receiving yards any player got was 37 which came from wide receiver Danny Amendola. Of all Lions pass eligible catchers, only one averaged double digit yards per catch which was wide receiver Mohamed Sanu who caught two passes for 22 yards for an average of 11 yards a catch.

When Stafford is not on the field, it affects the whole roster as the Lions are a much better team when their franchise quarterback is out there.

There have been tons of chatter in regards to whether the Lions should trade Stafford this offseason. If they end up doing so, expect a long season in 2021.