Schwartz Picks Stafford, Must Stay the Course
NFL Countdown | by Mike O'Hara | 09.7.2009/1:00PM
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There can be no looking back and no second thoughts on the most important decision Jim Schwartz has made in the buildup to his first regular-season game as head coach of the Lions.
He has put his stamp on his coaching tenure, and his team, with the decision to start rookie quarterback Matthew Stafford in Sunday’s game at New Orleans.
There is no mulligan on the selection of Stafford over veteran Daunte Culpepper.
It is now and forever—no back-tracking.
Schwartz told the quarterbacks and the team before practice Monday and announced it to the media after practice.
Schwartz pledged to stay the course with Stafford. He has to walk his talk. He can’t waffle or make a U-turn.
The only legitimate reason for Schwartz to switch to Culpepper is if Stafford sustains an injury. Otherwise, the Lions’ future is in the hands of Stafford, the player they drafted first overall in April.
Competition for the starting job was close between Stafford and Culpepper, and a case could be made for either man – Culpepper’s experience versus Stafford’s potential for the future.
“This is one decision you can see both sides of the equation,” Schwartz said. “This isn’t an internship. This isn’t a trial basis.
“He’s our starting quarterback.”
Schwartz stressed that the decision was about winning games, not just preparing for the future. He expects Stafford to compete to win.
“My job in the locker room is not to worry about the future,” Schwartz said. “We’re not asking him to go out there and practice.
“We’re asking him to win.”
Schwartz was asked if he’s worried about a rookie quarterback getting beaten down physically and mentally. The Lions were 0-16 last year and gave up 52 sacks.
“I don’t expect to get beaten up and beaten down this year,” Schwartz said. “I’m not going to concede anything this year. We expect to compete this year.”
Stafford was in a good mood as he spoke to reporters in the locker room. In that regard, Monday was no different than any other day.
“I don’t want to go out there and see how many mistakes it takes to change his mind,“ Stafford said, laughing. “I’ve had successes and failures in my career and in this preseason. I feel like I know this offense very well, and I’m ready to go out and win games.“
Culpepper did not speak to the media. He has avoided most interviews this year, except after games.
There was a noticeable lack of drama among the players in this year’s quarterback battle. That is a marked difference from other years, when Joey Harrington battled Mike McMahon and Jeff Garcia for the starting job.
“It could have gone either way,” said offensive tackle Jeff Backus. “You can understand them going in either direction.
“Obviously, Matt’s the future of the team. Not only the future, but the present. He’s the guy.”
Center Dominic Raiola was glad a decision was made.
“I’m glad it’s behind us,” he said. “He’s the future. He’s the now.”
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