Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford has put up some big numbers over the last four seasons as the teams starter.
Stafford has thrown for at least 4,257 yards while starting every game for Detroit in those years and hes thrown 112 touchdown passes, numbers that have helped the Lions advance to the postseason twice. The talk this offseason has been about a ripe atmosphere for better results than the team had in 2014 thanks to Calvin Johnsons health and a second year working in offensive coordinator Joe Lombardis scheme.
If that happens, Stafford is sure to be the subject of praise around the league, but Lombardi thinks that would just be people recognizing something they should have seen a long time ago.
Im hoping theres a million articles written about the big jump Matt Stafford [makes this year] and Ill say, Well, I dont know, he was pretty good before, Lombardi said, via Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. I think hes pretty damn good right now and people dont appreciate how good he is.
Im at that point in my career where Ive thrown for 5,000 yards, Ive thrown for 40 touchdowns in a year, Stafford said. Ive done a bunch of stuff individually, but I just want to win. If it takes me throwing for 5,000 yards and 40 touchdowns again for us to win a bunch of games, Im all for it. I love throwing the ball, theres no question. Every quarterback does. But I just want to do whatever it takes to help us win, and I think me playing at a higher level this year will help us, no question.
The Lions went with a risk-averse strategy on offense last year while riding their defense and were rewarded with Staffords lowest interception total for a full season. Lombardis hinted at changes on that front, which sets Stafford up for a year in the spotlight as he tries to take himself and his team to the next level.
