Stafford Needs 1-2 More Seconds
I've said it before and I'll say it again...our offensive line is one the ultimate things keeping us from succeeding in this league. I know everyone wants to blame defense first, and yes, you are right to think that they need to play much, much better than they generally do. However, I have noticed something this season that is interesting. Every time Stafford has ANY time to look without being hurried or hit, his % of completion and good decision making increases tremendously. It's the classic story of most of the QBs in the NFL that have risen to a high level of play. Peyton Manning would make just as many mistakes behind our offensive line....which would, in turn, put our defense on the field more than they need to be. Not only that, but it places more pressure on the defense every single week to "keep us in the game," as JP put it last week, by keeping the opposing score as low as possible given the amount of chances the other team is usually given.
I just can't help but think that it is more than a coincidence that Stafford's 54 yd bomb to Megatron today was set up by good o-line protection. Watch the clip...he had PLENTY of time to throw that ball. If only it was like that more often this season, I feel Stafford's TD-INT ratio would be a ton better....even as a rookie gunslinger. When Stafford is given time to find CJ, no one in this league can hang with him (Megatron, that is). It's just that simple.
Stafford's first INT was due to piss-poor protection. Pathetic protection on that play, and many, many more like it throughout the game. I was not able to see the second INT, so I can't speak for it. But I am sure he didn't have all day. Correct me if I am wrong.
I personally have no qualms with Schwartz playing Stafford late in this game. The game wasn't over. Schwartz wanted to win if possible. Stafford has the team's attention as their offensive leader. Our O-line needs to protect him better. I'm sorry....but it is our offensive line's fault that is banged up. It's our inability to protect him....period.
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On a positive note, Kevin Smith ran well today considering the run defense he was up against. I was impressed with his ability to make things happen here and there. Of course, that means the O-line was doing okay on the run plays...but pass protection is putrid right now...and something has to change if Stafford is going to be our franchise QB. Otherwise, he's going to spend half his seasons on the bench like McNabb was doing for a while there.
And I'm with you guys....let's pick up Suh from Nebraska if at all possible in the next draft. That...guy...is...a....man.
This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Pride of Detroit's main writer, Sean, or the site in general. FanPosts are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable fans.
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23 comments
Comments
Good post Twon
As I have been saying since week 5 – this team needs to spend its entire draft and offseason picking up O and D linemen. Which side of the ball needs MORE help I suppose is debatable but there is no question that success starts on the lines and ours, on both sides, are woefully below the NFL standards.
Also – Staff needs to be more accurate. I never saw 3 uglier passes as I did today in the Lions 2-minute drill before halftime. The receivers were open – the passes were horrible and it had little to do with pressure. Staff needs to be a hell of a lot more accurate.
I spray paint my dog Honolulu Blue and Silver
Pic - me vs. Bears fans
by NYCLionsfan on Dec 6, 2009 9:28 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Good Post
I agree Staff got hit a billion time today especially from the left side. I think the constant pressure screwed up his mindset because he never seem to get into it. Staff definitly has got to work on his accurcy but some of them passes were catchable but staff made them harder to catch.
by bmehne on Dec 6, 2009 11:39 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I don't agree.
The easier/faster fix, I would say, that more tools would be better. More checkoffs, hotroutes, etc.
by CLF on Dec 7, 2009 7:41 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
ON a side note...
This William James kid is starting to play well.
by CLF on Dec 7, 2009 7:43 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
+1
William James had a very good game – not only the INT but he tackled very well
I spray paint my dog Honolulu Blue and Silver
Pic - me vs. Bears fans
by NYCLionsfan on Dec 7, 2009 8:33 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
He'll make a nice nickel back once we get some real CB's in here
He’s not bad, but still makes some costly mistakes at times. He’ll be good for depth, though. Jason Hunter too. We’re setting the bar higher for starters.
What? He can’t block a dead gopher? Humph, details.
by GRLion on Dec 8, 2009 11:34 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
cool, he can be a young nickelback
What? He can’t block a dead gopher? Humph, details.
by GRLion on Dec 8, 2009 12:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I really like Jason Hunter
I think he was one of the best pickups we got this year as far as free agents go.
I think he should be starting every game, if he isn’t already.
by Nate D. on Dec 9, 2009 1:31 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Will James gets burned on as many plays as he plays well
I want him GONE… The last thing you want in the secondary is spotty play.
Either play shitty consistently so we can get someone else in there or play alright all the time. Don’t get annihilated on a 80 yd. reception then pick one off every 4 games.
Nickelback… MAYBE. But I don’t get why he’s getting so much playing time. He tackles well. That’s about as much praise you’ll hear from me about the cornerback formerly known as Will Peterson.
by Nate D. on Dec 9, 2009 1:30 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
those are temporary solutions
that will only work for like a drive or two. after that, defense will be looking for those. the bottom line is that we need a better o-line…starting with OTs
The beginning of the end of the misery
by latif on Dec 7, 2009 9:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
A majority of the sacks allowed this year
Have come from the right side of the offensive line, more specifically the RG.
by KDawg on Dec 7, 2009 9:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Twon..2 seconds might as well be a month in the NFL
But i agree
http://cmufootball.blogspot.com/
by CapitolLions on Dec 7, 2009 2:04 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
There's no doubt about that
With time in the pocket, Staff is a stronger player. Like any other QB. Practice makes perfect so I say keep him out there if he wants to play and the doctor’s consider him healthy enough.
2009 = The start of the Lions Golden Age (We hope).
Zack Follett: he will hurt your mind.
by Hyperion Ecta on Dec 7, 2009 9:17 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I think Schwartz and Mayhew know what to draft
OL, DT, DE and CB.
I spray paint my dog Honolulu Blue and Silver
Pic - me vs. Bears fans
by NYCLionsfan on Dec 7, 2009 9:34 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
.......and safety, unless they're absolutely certain Bullocks is still the answer after his injury
What? He can’t block a dead gopher? Humph, details.
by GRLion on Dec 8, 2009 11:36 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Right!
Is Gerald Alexander still on the team? What ever happened to him?
I spray paint my dog Honolulu Blue and Silver
Pic - me vs. Bears fans
by NYCLionsfan on Dec 8, 2009 6:21 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
He was traded to Jacksonville
For Dennis Northcutt……if that wasn’t sarcasm NYC….:o)
by KDawg on Dec 8, 2009 7:51 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
That's right
Actually it wasn’t sarcasm KDawg – I completely forgot. Good call Dawg!!
I spray paint my dog Honolulu Blue and Silver
Pic - me vs. Bears fans
by NYCLionsfan on Dec 8, 2009 8:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

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