ALLEN PARK, Mich.— Matthew Stafford says “winning solves a lot of problems,” and he’s got plenty of them to overcome with the Detroit Lions.
The NFL’s first 0-16 team began a massive rebuilding project in the NFL draft by selecting the Georgia quarterback on Saturday with the No. 1 pick.
Stafford signed a six-year contract with $41.7 million in guarantees and $78 million in maximum value.
The Lions have five of the first 82 picks.
“We have a number of needs,” first-year coach Jim Schwartz said. “The No. 1 need is talent.”
Stafford can’t fix all the problems associated with a franchise that has been bad enough to go 31-97 since 2001 in what has been the worst eight-year stretch by an NFL team since the Chicago Cardinals won 23 percent of their games from 1936-43.
But Detroit can’t afford to have Stafford join its list of draft-day busts that includes Joey Harrington, Charles Rogers and Mike Williams.
“The great thing about the game of football is, it’s a team game,” Stafford said on a conference call. “I’m just going to be one piece of the puzzle.”
The strong-armed quarterback might get a chance to develop slowly, watching Daunte Culpepper from the sideline.
But Stafford isn’t conceding anything.
“I’m a competitive guy,” Stafford said. “I’m going to try to get ready as quick as I can.”
Stafford said it will be up to the coaches to decide if he’s ready to start in Week 1 on the road against the New Orleans Saints, when Detroit will try to win its first game since Dec. 23, 2007.
But with the money the Lions are paying Stafford, there will be pressure to put him on the field.
Tennessee's signing class for 2012
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Comments » 20
CoverOrange writes:
Prediction: bust.
Stafford is closer to Akili Smith than even Carson Palmer who is struggling at Cincy. Every QB needs a complete team around him in order to have some success. See Peyton.
And for you Bobbeavol, see Tee.
VolWalker writes:
Turbo...you are absolutely correct...I see bust written all over him...the only reason he is being picked this high is because it is a weak QB class and the Lions are the Lions. Stafford has never been impressive other than he can throw the ball 1000 yards. Sanchez, Curry, and any of the top OL available will have a better impact.
Waldorf writes:
Somewhat disagree on Palmer. The guy was lights out and one the the three best QBs in the AFC before he blew his knee out. Plus, you really can't blame him for the organization he's in and the phooey they put up with that kills the team.
As for Stafford, you are dead on.
The_Reverend writes:
The Lions agree to 6 more years of sucking.
TommyJack writes:
Trying to decide if I would live in Detroit for $41m. Would have to think about that.
VolWalker writes:
now thats funny....hopefully he will now be able to get a haircut with the 41 mil he just got handed to him.
AustinTX_Vol writes:
Just set the franchise back another 5 years.
CoverOrange writes:
I didn't articulate my point well. The greatest QB can't elevate a bad team above mediocrity. The Bengals, like the Raiders, have a dysfunctional management (owner) that somehow stumbles onto a winner and turns them into a loser. Stafford can't elevate a bad team just like a Georgia he couldn't will a good team to even a CG appearance. How long he lasts depends on where Lions management goes with the rest of their picks.
As for living in Detroit, my sister-in-law lives there. As in most big cities the secret is to live in the burbs. There is lots affluence in certain neighborhoods. Though that may change with GM declaring bankruptcy on Monday.
kjneel#238751 writes:
Clear bust here. He could never carry GA, How can he carry a really bad Detroit team. Dude cleaned up though so I give him credit but Detroit should have spent that to save the auto plant instead. Wasted money.
golfballs03 writes:
if i were a gm i would be trading down big time. the draft is too hit-or-miss to be spending that much money on unproven rookies
ctownvol writes:
Exactly what I was thinking TJ. Decisions decisions decisions.
ihateuga writes:
poor detroit. they'll never dig their way out of this one.
VolWalker writes:
very well thought out post!
golfballs03 writes:
Detroit really is a cesspool. Democrats and unions have ruined that place
VAvolfanRON writes:
i think you are right....but i do wish him well....alot of great QBs would be just average with the OL the lions have...
timing and float passes?...remind you of any UF QBs?....lol...doesn't work in the NFL
VAvolfanRON writes:
why do you say that?..curious
VAvolfanRON writes:
i never have....
but i get your point now!!..i was wondering, because i think stafford is a decent guy
yeavols#228407 writes:
Desperate times calls for desperate measures..or so it seems..Mathew Stafford? I want to know where in the hell have I been? Watching Stafford at Georgia was MEDIOCRE at best. 41 Million? OK..someone got robbed...uh without a gun I should add. Detroit should have advertised on EBAY for a QB and saved some money...Mind blowing..since when is Stafford a premier QB worth that? Well, obviously I am out of the loop or Detroit is so desperate that they even mortaged GM to get a QB. Someone tell me I haven't watched Staffor enough to know that he is the best QB to ever enter the NFL draft since Peyton Manning- or heck any other QB..
yeavols#228407 writes:
I live in Georgia..My flag flys Orange and White here..I even have a Power T on my new Georgia PLATE representing the University. I still hold to my convictions..MATHEW STAFFORD isn't worth 41 million. Nothing against the kid, but I am here to say..someone got robbed...
givehim6 writes:
All I can say is be glad your quick on your feet you'll need it. That's a lot of $$$ for a young man, stay out of trouble.
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