Lions notes: ESPN calls Matthew Stafford most-improved running quarterback

• There’s no doubt that Matthew Stafford improved his pocket presence and escapability in 2016. In fact, ESPN went so far as to say that Stafford was the most improved running quarterback of the season (Insider required). Here’s a snippet:

Last season, he had 26 runs past the line of scrimmage for 171 yards (6.6 yards per carry), while this season he scrambled 27 times for 213 yards (7.9 yards per carry). He also had four broken tackles, after only two in 2015.

He was also the runner-up behind Andrew Luck in the “passing quarterback” category.

• Paula Pasche broke down every one of the Detroit Lions’ 13 rookies and their contributions to the team in 2016.

• Glover Quin’s streak of 116-straight regular season games started is impressive, but this may be even more amazing:

Golden Tate sure was impressed:

• Tim Twentyman breaks down Taylor Decker’s rookie season, where he only allowed 4.5 sacks all year, despite playing every snap at left tackle.

• Matt Prater wants the extra point moved back to the 2-yard line.

• Want to know why the Lions aren’t still in the playoffs? Nate Atkins breaks down four key statistics that all eight remaining playoff teams ranked higher than Detroit in.

• Dave Birkett gave out positional grades for the entire 2016 Lions season.

• The Lions may not have any players represented in the Pro Bowl, but they’ll have cheerleader representation.