Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford has plenty of experience in the NFL, but he's having to learn a new offense just like his rookie teammates this year.
And as he sees it, that puts an extra burden on him, to know Darrell Bevell’s wishes so he can effectively communicate them.
“That’s my biggest challenge at the moment,” Stafford said, via the Detroit Free Press. “Obviously I’m trying to lead this entire team, but at the same time I’ve got a lot of work on my plate to make sure we get everybody in the right spots and make sure we’re producing at a high level on offense.”
But, as much as familiarity and continuity are important in an offseason of change, Stafford is also out there without his top two targets, as Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones are both missing minicamp time with minor injuries. That has him out there throwing to the newly signed Jermaine Kearse, along with Danny Amendola and Andy Jones.
“I don’t have as many reps under my belt with some of those guys as I do with Marv and Kenny, but it’s nice to see those guys go out and compete,” Stafford said.
The Lions practice again next week before breaking for a month until the start of training camp.
A smooth transition to the new scheme during this final practice time will go a long way in making training camp more productive, and that only helps the team's prospects this season.
And that burden falls on Stafford, more than any of them.
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