The Detroit Lions saw their playoff hopes officially go down the drain with a 27-17 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. However, there was at least one lone bright spot Lions fans could hang their hat on.

Despite the team's disappointing 2017 NFL season, quarterback Matthew Stafford continues to stake his claim as one of the league's most prolific passers. According to ESPN's Michael Rothstein, Stafford became just the second quarterback in NFL history to throw for 4,000 yards in seven consecutive seasons:

 Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford became the second quarterback in NFL history to have seven straight 4,000-yard seasons.

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Stafford completed the feat during the second quarter of Detroit's loss with a 14-yard completion to wide receiver Kenny Golladay. Although he largely struggled on the day after connecting on just 19 of his 35 pass attempts for 203 yards, Stafford joined some pretty elite company. And yet, he still has a ways to go before catching up to New Orleans Saints star quarterback Drew Brees, who is now has his streak at 12 straight seasons.

The streak dates back to Stafford's third year in the league when he finished with a career-high 5,038 yards in the 2011 NFL season. The former first overall pick has been amongst the league's passing leaders ever since.

Aside from his status as a bonafide gunslinger, Stafford has proved his durability after managing to start in every game since his incredible streak began. That said, he is a strong candidate to keep his streak going next season.

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