My next topic I would like to discuss
the public opinion on whether or not Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford is
worth the money the Detroit Lions are willing to pay him. Since being drafted number one in 2009, I
believe the jury is still undecided if he rates a legitimate MVP quarterback
for our beloved Detroit Lions. The
highly regarded quarterback is entering his fifth year of a six year $72
million dollar contract. The numbers
show in comparison to his peers of producing a modest ranking of 22nd
(78.8%) in pass rating. His touchdown
ratio is another eye opening statistic, only 20 touchdowns against 17
interceptions for a sloppy 2012 season.
The real truth is the Detroit Lions can’t afford not to sign him,
Stafford is the beneficiary of the mess we all call “LION FOOTBALL”. I believe that Matthew Stafford is nothing
more than an average NFL quarterback. To
prove it, all you have to do is look at the MVP of Super Bowl XLVII, namely Joe
Flacco. All he did was lead his team the Baltimore Ravens on an impressive
season capped off by winning the Super Bowl.
He proved himself in the last year of his contract. This is the perfect
example of the disparity of deserving a new contract worth over $20 million per
year. When you compare the numbers you
will find that bad teams such as the Lions will pay too much for an average
player. What is your opinion?
I wanted to cut Backus and Raiola to free up cap space. Long term, Stafford is the guy. We just need to restructure his deal and improve the offensive line in order to shore up the running game and have more balance.
ReplyDeleteThe jury is still out. Great in 2011...not so much in 2013. Need to improve the o-line and a better 2nd and 3rd wr. Also Pettigrew stinks! I would also like to see a better rb. Seemed like defenses lined up knowing all the lions could do was pass. That being said I have to think that makes the qb's job even more difficult.
ReplyDeleteJim
We're not big fans of Matthew Stafford. I don't think he is, or ever was worth his pay. Your added stats are great Frank- we also count his injuries, and mentally deduct that from his pay (lol!).
ReplyDeleteI do agree with you that we are paying more for a mediocre player, but haven't the Lions always paid premium for their QB's in hopes that they will rescue the team??? I think Ronnie is right about the OLine too. The team needs an overhaul.
Do you remember the Lions had the greatest running back of all time in Barry Sanders, and they still couldn't figure out how to win a Super Bowl. They are not going to be successful until they figure out they can't win with one exceptional player and 10 average players surrounding him (ie Calvin Johnson). If they want stafford to be the franchise QB, they need to strengthen the O line. If not, I see yet another losing season.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Frank about a Matthew Stafford being a mediocre quarterback. He has had only one impressive year since he has been with the Lions (2011). Saying that it is not all his fault; the Lions offense is structured to throw way too much and it puts a lot of pressure on Matthew. They need a running game and a more balanced approach. Superstars are not going to get you to the Superbowl; a well-rounded team will. Baltimore is a prime example. As far as salary, professional sports have gotten out of control. I am a firm believer that there should be a base salary and then additional bonuses based on performance. It really bothers me to see the way our economy is struggling but yet seeing the crazy salary figures pros make. Ok ...I digress ....nice post.
ReplyDeleteGood post!
ReplyDeleteA great read Frank. I have really started to hate how money and politics have started playing such a big role in not just football but all sports. Teams like the Yankees and their big pockets are really able to boss around smaller teams. Granted, this has been part of sports for decades but I personally feel it has been getting worse in recent years. Sports need to get back to the sport and stay from the financial aspect.
ReplyDelete