Matthew Stafford Is Nearing Unenviable Record
By Danny Cox
The Detroit Lions are having one of the worst seasons they've ever had, and it's causing a lot of changes to be made in the front office. Chances are, more changes are coming to the coaching staff and the roster after the season is over. Some aren't worried about that just yet, and simply want to focus on the now.
Matthew Stafford approaching a record he does not want
As the Lions sit at 1-7, not all of the blame can fall on the shoulders of quarterback Matthew Stafford, but a lot of the statistics will be attached to his name. Unfortunately, the wins and losses are something that end up falling onto a quarterback and many statisticians do look at the signal-callers in terms of winning percentage.
Right now, Stafford is on pace to a record for NFL wins, but not in the positive direction. If the Detroit Lions finish the season at 2-14, then their overall record would be 37-56 in games that he has started. Only one other player in NFL history has had that few victories in his first 93 starts, and it's Archie Manning.
Being compared to Manning isn't a bad thing by any stretch of the imagination. Being compared to Manning during his incredibly under-achieving time with the New Orleans Saints is.
Stafford and Calvin Johnson not worried about futures in Detroit
Speaking of Stafford, both he and Calvin Jonson are not necessarily worrying about their future with the Detroit Lions. They both hope to stay in place and be with the team for a long time, but it's not always up to them. Johnson has already said he has not thought about his future in Detroit, but he wants to stay with the team and win.
Stafford? Well, he's also trying to focus on the present.
"I don't think about that kind of stuff, honestly," Stafford said. "I'm here. I've got a couple years left on my contract. I hope I get the chance to play them out. I hope I'm here for a long time. Just that stuff's not up to me. I worry about stuff that I can't control, and I'm doing a disservice to not only myself but the guys in that locker room.
"So the only thing that I can control is playing as good a game of football as I possibly can and trying to help our team win. Whatever happens after that happens."
The firing of general manager Martin Mayhew and team president Tom Lewand last week could work against Stafford's hopes of staying with the Lions. Still, there is another half of a season to go and then the team will look at what restructuring needs to be done.
Danny Cox knows a little something about the NFL, whether it means letting you know what penalty will come from the flag just thrown on the field or quickly spouting off who the Chicago Bears drafted in the first round of the 1987 draft (Jim Harbaugh). He plans on bringing you the best news, previews, recaps, and anything else that may come along with the exciting world of the National Football League. Danny is a freelance writer covering all things NFL. His work can be found on Examiner.com.
