In spite of recent rumors to the contrary, Detroit Lions first-year head coach Matt Patricia says that the team is committed to quarterback Matthew Stafford, according to Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk.
“We’re in a situation where Matt Stafford‘s our quarterback. That’s what it is. I think the world of the guy,” Patricia said.
I'm gonna be honest here, though: what Patricia said is not exactly a ringing endorsement, and by him saying “we're in a situation where Matt Stafford's our quarterback,” it sounds like Patricia is essentially saying, “we're stuck with Stafford.”
Remember, the Lions signed Stafford to a five-year, $135 million contract extension last September, so he is basically untradeable. In that sense, Detroit kind of is stuck with Stafford for the long haul.
The 30-year-old has taken a fairly significant step back this season, throwing for 3,511 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions while completing 66.3 percent of his passes and registering a passer rating of 88.7, his lowest mark since 2014.
Stafford, who played his collegiate football at the University of Georgia, was originally selected by the Lions with the first overall pick of the 2009 NFL Draft.
His career got off to a rough start, as he had an awful rookie campaign and then missed most of his second year due to a shoulder injury that required surgery.
However, in his third year, Stafford broke out with 41 touchdowns, and in 2014, Stafford made his first Pro Bowl in spite of actually middling numbers.
The Lions are just 5-10 on the year and will conclude their season on the road against the Green Bay Packers this Sunday.
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