NFL QB Comparisons, Pt. 1: Can Matthew Stafford Live Up to Matt Ryan's Success?

(Photo by Logan Fazio/Getty Images for DirectTV)

The receivers aren't much better, either.

Obviously, the raw talent of Calvin Johnson is the highpoint of the team, but outside of him there really isn’t much to mention. Ronald Curry and Bryant Johnson were nice free agent pickups, but both underachieved.

In addition to all of this comes the defense’s history of being a bad as Matt Millen’s ability to run the team, including the team giving up over 500 points last year—as if 0-16 wasn't bad enough.

A poor defense equals unnecessary stress for a QB. The Lions made strides in the off-season, but overall could have done better.

Stafford’s situation is far worse than Ryan’s ever was considering Ryan benefited from Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood in the backfield, Roddy White, Michael Jenkins, and Brian Finneran as receivers, a solid O-line that gave up only 17 sacks, and a defense that wasn’t all that bad despite having trouble stopping the run.

Ryan had green fields and blue skies in his rookie year while Stafford has looming storm clouds above desolate and shaky ground at his foot.

Stafford will not start right out of the gate so long as Culpepper stays healthy—a task all in its own. But if Culpepper can remain healthy and somewhat effective he can keep Stafford on the bench, affording Detroit more time to build.

All in all, Detroit will not turn things around in the fashion that Atlanta did last year. In fact, it could take two or three years, but, in time, if Stafford can grow, and if the organization can find the right talent, then perhaps the Lions can have their first Pro Bowl quarterback since the days of Bobby Layne—an aspiration only time will tell.

In Pt. 2 we will compare Flacco and Sanchez, but for now let's discuss this comparison. I want to hear from everyone especially Detroit fans.

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?