How Stafford rates against NFL flops

[Wolf]

Let's turn the measuring stick upside down in comparisons regarding Matthew Stafford.

Stop charting the progress of the Lions' rookie quarterback against the best -- namely Peyton Manning, drafted first overall by the Colts in 1998.

What about the other end of the stick -- the worst?

How does Stafford rate against the thunderous quarterback flops who were drafted first overall since Manning entered the NFL. What are the odds that Stafford will join their class as another failed No. 1 pick?

Let's open the envelope and take the suspense out of that one right now.

Stafford has shown everything it takes to be a franchise quarterback -- big arm, competiveness, field vision and toughness.

Stafford is the Lions' quarterback of the present and future. No doubt -- barring an injury.

However, there is no certainty with quarterbacks. Tim Couch, Michael Vick, David Carr, Carson Palmer, Eli Manning, Alex Smith, JaMarcus Russell and Stafford were taken first overall in the last 12 drafts.

Couch, Carr, Smith and Russell are certified flops.

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll...=2009911160398

[Koolaid Time]

I wouldn't write Alex Smith off yet. Give him until the end of the year before you rank him with Carr.

[RTP2110]

The guy was drafted to the worst team in the history of the NFL and won a game. Hell, he should win OROY just for that.

[rmartin65]

I cant take that article seriously. They have Vick rated as one of "the good ones".

[kastofsna]

comparitively speaking, Vick wasn't that bad

[bah007]

Originally Posted by rmartin65

I cant take that article seriously. They have Vick rated as one of "the good ones".

As far as playing QB goes, Vick was never really that good.

But he could do so many things with the ball in his hands that as an overall player, I don't think there is any way you could call him a bust.

[gtexan02]

This article sounds like a desperate detroit fan trying to remain positive. Poor guys we've all been there

[Marcus]

I'll admit that I gave David Carr too much rope, but Good God man, the Detroit Lions are coming off an 0-16 season, and there's already talk that he's a flop?

Unbelievable.

[kastofsna]

Originally Posted by Marcus

I'll admit that I gave David Carr too much rope, but Good God man, the Detroit Lions are coming off an 0-16 season, and there's already talk that he's a flop?

Unbelievable.

that's not the intent of the article at all, in fact, quite the opposite.

Stafford has shown everything it takes to be a franchise quarterback -- big arm, competiveness, field vision and toughness.

Stafford is the Lions' quarterback of the present and future. No doubt -- barring an injury.

[kastofsna]

Stafford owns.

http://www.nfl.com/videos/detroit-li...fford-mic-d-up

[NitroGSXR]

Matt Stafford's a baller. Gutsy player. I liked what I saw against the Browns. Hope his shoulder's ok.

[GuerillaBlack]

Originally Posted by kastofsna

Stafford owns.

http://www.nfl.com/videos/detroit-li...fford-mic-d-up

Word. Stafford is that dude. HOPEFULLY this helps the Lions as the years go on.

"get the **** off me"

love it. Detroit has a good core going with Stafford, Johnson, and K. Smith on offense. I hope the Lions succeed.

[Goatcheese]

Originally Posted by GuerillaBlack

Word. Stafford is that dude. HOPEFULLY this helps the Lions as the years go on.

"get the **** off me"

love it. Detroit has a good core going with Stafford, Johnson, and K. Smith on offense. I hope the Lions succeed.

No fans should have to put up with that level of ineptitude forever.

Go Lions!

[mexican_texan]

I'm a fan of the guy. It's rare to see someone put themselves on the line like he does after such a big payday. It's night and day between him and JaMarcus Russell.

[Kulluminatii]

Originally Posted by mexican_texan

It's night and day between him and JaMarcus Russell.

RACISM!

[Big Lou]

Man watching Stafford getting hit, and then hit again and again it sure reminded me of "He who will will not mention." It was like watching a Texans game with a flux capacitor hooked to my TV.

[mexican_texan]

Except Stafford threw in between the numbers. And he threw the ball before getting hit. And he moved around the pocket to avoid pressure. And he...I'll stop.

[m5kwatts]

Stafford is the real friggin deal. Let this kid have his typical poor rookie season for a QB and next year he'll take off. The Lions have a pretty good foundation considering Delmas is a possible pro bowler and until Pettigrew had season ending surgery he was having himself a season. Throw in Calvin Johnson and Ernie Sims and they have something to build on. They had a draft similar to the Texans 06 draft, some big hits that'll carry them for years.

[GuerillaBlack]

Originally Posted by m5kwatts

Stafford is the real friggin deal. Let this kid have his typical poor rookie season for a QB and next year he'll take off. The Lions have a pretty good foundation considering Delmas is a possible pro bowler and until Pettigrew had season ending surgery he was having himself a season. Throw in Calvin Johnson and Ernie Sims and they have something to build on. They had a draft similar to the Texans 06 draft, some big hits that'll carry them for years.

Don't forget Kevin Smith!

[Texan4Ever]

I won't doubt Matthew Stafford's ability to play and his toughness but his rookie season is horrible compared to what Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco did (but then again its the Lions afterall). I'm going to judge him closely next season and see if he makes significant improvements before I start calling him a bust.

As for the Lions, they have a few building blocks but nothing impressive. They NEED to build there defense fast but they also have to get a legit OT to block for Stafford and to open up running lanes for there talented RB Kevin Smith.


Stafford > Sanchez