Tavern talk: Stafford and Growing Pains—by Mike Lombardi

National Football Post

Were you surprised by the Matthew Stafford decision in Detroit? Considering the Lions didn’t win a game in 2008 and now are going with a rookie quarterback, their agony might be prolonged even further.

Or did you feel the money and the lack of a proven player behind Stafford were going to tip the scales in his direction? For me, considering all the options—and most importantly the talent level—the Lions made the right call.

They need hope and they need to make their fans feel excited, and this move brings the two into focus. They need to prove that there’s a difference between this regime and the previous one, on and off the field.

Let’s face it, Lions fans have seen some bad ball, some very bad ball. Stafford is young and is going to make mistakes, but he allows the other players to have an impact. This move will allow offensive coordinator Scott Linehan to utilize all the skill players he has in his arsenal and pressure defenses.

Despite going winless last year, the Lions look better on offense in every aspect: players, coaching, and, most important, scheme. Linehan can utilize these players to create mismatches that will make the game slow down for Stafford.

Utilizing the play-action pass creates the separation that will allow Stafford to not have to correctly read the coverage. Play action is the best friend to a rookie quarterback because it creates space in the secondary, allowing the QB to read color and put the ball on the wideout or back.

Creating distortion in the defense makes the rhythm of the game easier for any quarterback.

Matthew Stafford will benefit from being surrounded by a polished offensive coordinator and an emerging set of skill players in his rookie campaign.

With running back Kevin Smith and blocking tight end Brandon Pettigrew, the Lions will be able to run the ball with enough effectiveness to allow their play-action schemes to be effective.

Teams that can’t run the ball bring nickel fronts and coverages into the game plan on earlier downs, which create problems for any quarterback, young or old. Movement of the pocket is another essential for Linehan to utilize with Stafford because he can throw the ball from any point on the field with precision.

Linehan has tools in his kit to protect a young quarterback and the experience to enhance his development. Linehan may not have been a very effective head coach, but like Cam Cameron of the Ravens, he’s a very good play caller and designer. He knows how to run an offense effectively and can create the matchups needed to help Stafford.

However, what makes all this possible is the unique talent Stafford brings to the game. None of the plays or schemes will work unless Stafford can make all his throws with accuracy, precision, and timing.

His skill level far outweighs the negatives of sending a rookie quarterback out on the field. In Week six of the season, Stafford will be like a new player and will make the Lions a much better team.

And next year, he will be even more effective, just like Aaron Rodgers has demonstrated in Green Bay this summer. The second year is the key, but in order to get to the second year, there has to be an investment made in year one.

Growing pains are growing pains whether they’re with your kids or with very rich quarterbacks. Everyone has to endure the pain in order to get better.

This same theory applies to Jets-starter.html" target="_blank">Mark Sanchez of the Jets, but because the Jets’ defense is so much better, there are not the same concerns as with the Lions. However, Sanchez and Stafford are going to have their moments, good and bad.

Fans need to be patient. From my viewpoint, both will be able to bring more than hope to each franchise—they’ll bring wins.

Next Tuesday in the Tavern, we’ll take a look back at some games where the right or wrong moves were made with regard to game management. I promise to make this a Brad Childress column—just not every week.

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