Jim Caldwell talks about keys to success for quarterbacks

Shortly after he was hired by the Detroit Lions, Jim Caldwell emphasized footwork as an area where Matthew Stafford could use some improvement. Many fans have been saying that for years, and Caldwell immediately recognized the importance of making sure that Stafford's footwork gets better.

Good footwork is certainly one of the keys to being a successful quarterback, and it can directly affect things like timing and accuracy. Caldwell actually said last week that timing and accuracy are even more important when it comes to being a successful quarterback.

Beat writers sat with Caldwell for a while. Talked at length about Stafford. Said "timing" and "accuracy" are most important traits in QB.

— Tim Twentyman (@ttwentyman) March 25, 2014

In regards to Stafford, Caldwell said that the key to success for him is to be more consistent. Caldwell thinks Stafford is "capable of championship play," but consistency is definitely something that has been lacking with Stafford in recent years. His footwork certainly deserves some of the blame when it comes to his lack of consistency, and just generally speaking, Caldwell wants Stafford's fundamentals to constantly be improving.

Jim Caldwell stresses fundamentals with QBs, even warming up: "Every single time, even when you’re warming up, you work on your accuracy."

— Mike O'Hara (@MikeOHaraNFL) March 25, 2014

Caldwell on teaching fundamentals with QBs: "I believe you don’t ever waste a throw."

— Mike O'Hara (@MikeOHaraNFL) March 25, 2014

We've talked a lot this offseason about the Lions' need for more talent at wide receiver and how drops need to be lessened in the future. But the biggest need going forward is really for Stafford to take a major step in his development. We've seen flashes of brilliance over the years, but as Caldwell said, there needs to be more consistency. That's the key to Stafford being a better quarterback, and that's really the key to the Lions being a better football team.