Stop Saying how Great Matthew Stafford is

Before I get into this, I want to make it clear that I am not bashing Matthew Stafford just for the sake of bashing him. He’s a nice guy, tough, a good teammate, and he has a great family. The reason why I’m writing this article is because people keep saying how great of a quarterback he is, when the reality is that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Now to be fair, the Lions organization isn’t a great franchise and all the blame is not on Stafford. Far from it – but the narrative of how he is so amazing and talented has got to stop.

All of those picks

Matthew Stafford is a turnover machine. He forces passes that have no business being thrown and tries to make plays when they aren’t there. People tout his arm strength, why? Compared to some of the other QBs in the league, it really isn’t anything special. Could the supporting cast be better? Of course, it can always be better. However, part of the job of the starting quarterback is to make his teammates better. He has failed to do that.

When Tom Brady was with the Patriots, no name guys like Julian Edelman (he’s not a nobody anymore but he was at one point) and Chris Hogan were able to become key contributors during their tenures with the team. Granted Calvin Johnson is probably the only out of this world receiver Stafford has ever had up to this point, but Marvin Jones and Kenny Golladay didn’t get any better while playing with Stafford.

The trade

The Rams traded for Stafford and the Lions got Jared Goff in return since both quarterbacks wanted a change in scenery, and the teams they went to feel they can help them get over the hump. The Lions won this trade and it isn’t even close. Goff is by far the better quarterback even though he only seems like he’s average. Stafford will probably have the better collection of weapons, but it won’t make a difference if he can’t throw the ball to them.

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Stafford is also getting older and has an injury history, recently playing with cracks in his back. One more big hit could be it for him. He has two little girls at home, is it really worth the risk? Tony Romo knew when it was time to walk away and he knew who he was doing it for. People will point to all of the passing yards and passing touchdowns that Stafford has, but you know who else has a lot of passing yards, passing touchdowns, and turnovers? Jameis Winston. Nobody is going around saying how great he is, so why do we continue to do it with Stafford?

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