Lions' Rookie QB Matt Stafford To Start Against New Orleans

NFL News - September 8th, 2009 - Written by Scott

Detroit Lion's coach Jim Schwartz announced to his team on Monday that rookie quarterback Matthew Stafford has won the starting job. The number one overall draft pick will start in the Lions' season opener against New Orleans on Sunday. Stafford always felt he would win the starting job, but now he must go out and prove that Schwartz made the correct decision. A three way quarterback battle was going on throughout the preseason including Stafford, veteran Daunte Culpepper, and Drew Stanton. Schwartz said that all three played well, but Stanton fell behind in the competition after injuring his knee. Lions' fans can feel good in knowing that if Stafford should not produce as expected, that Culpepper is very capable of coming in if needed.

"I'm very, very comfortable with the quarterback position here, not just one and two, but also three," Schwartz said. "What made this decision difficult was that I think we can win with Daunte Culpepper, I think we can with Matt Stafford, and I think we can win with Drew Stanton."

Stafford has a tough road ahead in reviving a team that went 0-16 last season. Schwartz felt that Stafford's chemistry with the Lions' biggest offensive threat, Calvin Johnson, was a key deciding factor in his decision. "I think he had 15 snaps in the preseason with Calvin, and you could already see what was possible there," Schwartz said. "The big plays were always there."

Stafford can take comfort in knowing that he is not going to be on a short leash, even with Culpepper waiting behind him. Stafford must not take advantage of this, as he has the opportunity to turn a 0-16 team around from 2008, the first in NFL history. "I don't want to go out there and see how many mistakes it takes to change his mind," he said with a laugh. "I've had successes and failures in my career and in this preseason, but I feel like I know this offense very well and I'm ready to go out and win games."

Culpepper declined to speak with the media on Monday. Scwartz believes that he is definitely back and will someday be a starter in the league again. Stafford isn't worried about their relationship and said that he is grateful to have someone around like him to learn from. "I'm sure it is tough for him, but Daunte's been great for me and he will continue to be," he said. "I can't think of a better guy to learn from and to have in my corner."

To discuss this and other NFL related stories be sure to check out our new forum at:
https://www.usaplayers.com/forums/