3. MATTHEW STAFFORD
Lastly, and most importantly, Matthew Stafford needs to step up and have a big game for the Lions, arguably the best of his career. During Detroit’s three-game losing streak to finish the season, Stafford threw for just two touchdowns (one of those in garbage time) and three interceptions. He’s thrown as many picks (5) in the last four weeks as he did in the team’s first 12 games.
All of these statistics suggest that Stafford’s finger injury has impacted him more than he has let on. The velocity of his throws and his release look fine, which is good news. His decision-making, on the other hand, is what’s concerning.
Stafford has looked like the Stafford of old since injuring his finger, throwing into traffic and oftentimes directly into the hands of defenders. Packers linebacker Clay Matthews dropped a sure pick during Detroit’s scoring drive at the end of the first half. These turnovers have cost the Lions. Stafford’s efficiency and lack of turnovers are what have won games for the Lions this season. For the Lions to have any shot at upsetting Seattle, Stafford will need to return to the level of play we witnessed before the three-game losing streak and carry the Lions to victory. A road victory against a former Super Bowl champ could put Stafford back into the elite conversation and earn Detroit the respect it craves.
