The Sum of Stafford’s 2 Starts Prove Nothing
Open Mike | by Mike O'Hara | 09.23.2009/6:10PM
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Matthew Stafford’s statistics have been less than eye-popping in his first two games as the Lions’ starting quarterback. He’s had one touchdown pass, five interceptions and a 50.7-percent completion rate.
Stafford’s passer rating of 40.5 ranks last among the NFL’s 32 starts.
Stafford was thrust into the starting role by head coach Jim Schwartz. In terms of his development the rest of this year and for the long term, Stafford’s statistics prove – well, absolutely nothing.
Comparing apples to apples – how current high-profile quarterbacks began their careers – shows there is no pattern or equation to prove success or failure based on the early stages of a quarterbacks career.
Some started early and became great players. Peyton Manning, drafted first overall in 1998, fits into that category. Tim Couch, drafted first overall in 1999 by the expansion Cleveland Browns, played early and was a flop.
Carson Palmer and Daunt Culpepper didn’t throw a pass as rookies and were full-time starters in their second seasons. By popular logic – popular in some quarters, anyway – they should have benefitted from a year of observation and started fast. They didn’t.
Here is a look at how some quarterbacks performed with their first experience as a starter:
Peyton Manning: He took every offensive snap his rookie year. In the first four games he had three TD passes and 11 interceptions. It wasn’t until Game 5 that he broke even – one TD, one interception. He finished strong, with 26 TD passes and 29 interceptions for the season.
Daunte Culpepper: Sitting his rookie season in 1999 didn’t do much good for the start of 2000. Culpepper had one TD passes and four interceptions in the first two games. After that, he took off – 33 TD passes against 16 interceptions for the season.
Tony Romo: He sat the bench for three years and the first four games of 2006 without throwing a pass. When he got his chance, the results were mixed – two TDs and three interceptions in his first game of extended playing time. He had a TD pass and an interception in his first start. Four years later, he’s still up and down.
Carson Palmer: Drafted first overall in 2003, he never took a snap as a rookie. He started the first 13 games of 2004 before going out with an injury. Palmer had a rough start – three TD passes, seven interceptions in his first four starts. He had 18 TD passes, 18 interceptions for the season.
Drew Brees: He sat the bench as San Diego’s second-round pick iin 2001, playing only one game. He started all 16 games in 2002 and had 17 TD passes, 16 interceptions. His start was decent – three TDs and an interception in the first two games, but a 5-4 split through five games.
Tom Brady: The Patriots’ sixth-round pick in 1999, he threw three passes as a rookie – all against the Lions in a loss in Thanksgiving Day.
Brady took over during a loss in Game 2 of 2000 and didn’t show much early – no TDs, no interceptions in his first three games. Two were starts. But his stats and career took off. He’s headed to the Hall of Fame, but not based on his rookie stats – 18 TD passes, 12 interceptions and 41 sacks, the most of his career.
Comments [10] |
In naming Matt Stafford the starter, Jim Schwartz said he gave us a better chance to win today than Daunte Culpepper. He said it not me.
Jim needs to confront the brutal facts, five interceptions in two games does not support that decision. While Culpepper may not have wowed anybody in the preseason, he didn’t turn the ball over. Our defense has enough probelms on its own as evidenced in the article referenced by Steve.
Season ticketholders this year care about TODAY not next year. Maybe while Matt learns the game we can watch for free. Only one stat matters, W-L.
If you have two equally talented guys (again, his appraisal not mine) and the first guy plays the way he has for two games, let’s try something else.
There is no doubt that Matt Stafford is the future. I understand that and appreciate it. It really doesn’t matter if you get better ever day and every week. If you still lose, you’re not the right guy for today.
I also agree with Steve about more posting. Keep up the good work.
Posted by Barney on 09/23/09 at 07:45 PM ET
Интересный пост
Posted by лечение наркомании on 09/24/09 at 07:09 AM ET
The comparisons of Stafford to Culpepper should be interesting as the season goes along.
Yes it is true, Culpepper had a tough couple of games to start his second season, the first he had playing time.
But then he went on to take the Vikings to the playoffs, 11-5, and his first pro-bowl.
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Stafford was at the team’s first day of training camp Saturday even though he didn’t have a contract. Stafford is due to earn $1.5 million in the coming season and $2.3 million in the 2010-11 season.
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Add a Comment
Mike,
For every comparison of Peyton Manning, I provide Ryan Leif. Stafford has to prove he can play at the NFL level. Time will tell.
I’m still stunned why Mayhew continued the Millen tradition and draft offensive weapons with top two picks. Defense wins championships - and Mayhew should know this.
Did you read this article in SI?
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/kerry_byrne/09/23/lions/index.html?eref=T1
The author makes a very compelling argument of why the Lions are so inept.
Finally, please post more often - your insights are always the topic of discussion first thing in the morning while we’re drinking coffee.
Posted by Steve on 09/23/09 at 06:31 PM ET