Matthew Stafford Ranked No. 6 Quarterback in NFL

Is Matthew Stafford a top-10 quarterback in the National Football League?

John Maakaron | Jul 12, 2021

It appears as though the perception nationally is that quarterback Matthew Stafford was held back by the Detroit Lions organization.

In a recent ESPN poll of 50 coaches, league scouts and executives, former Detroit Lions signal-caller Matthew Stafford was ranked inside the top 10 of National Football League quarterbacks.

"Him going to L.A. with Sean (McVay) and that offense will be great for his already massive abilities," a veteran NFL quarterback said via ESPN. "This will be the deciding factor on who he is."

Without star wideout Kenny Golladay, who missed the majority of the 2020 season with injuries, Stafford had a solid season. He secured 26 touchdowns against 10 interceptions, as the Lions went 5-11 in Matt Patricia's final season as head man in Motown.

According to ESPN NFL writer Jeremy Fowler, "What can't be debated: Stafford has always been an aerial threat. In the post-Calvin Johnson era of Lions play (2016-20), Stafford averaged 265.7 passing yards per game, eighth among NFL quarterbacks with at least 50 games played. With Johnson as a receiving target from 2009 to '15, Stafford averaged 279.3 yards, fifth in the NFL."

While critics will point to the lack of postseason success and critical errors at inopportune times, many across the league are looking forward to observing how the 33-year-old quarterback performs with his new team.

In the Rams' offense, Stafford could top 5,000 yards passing and 40 touchdowns in a 17-game season.

The Lions will match up against the Rams at SoFi Stadium in Week 7 of the 2021 season.

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Published Jul 12, 2021

JOHN MAAKARON

John Maakaron has covered Detroit Sports since 2013. Brings a vast array of experience covering the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions, Michigan Wolverines, Michigan State Spartans, Detroit Mercy Titans, and Oakland University Golden Grizzlies. John brings a wealth of sports broadcast experience. In 2013, John had the vision to establish the Detroit Sports Podcast Network. Has recorded over 3000 podcasts analyzing Detroit Sports. In 2019, Sports Illustrated Media Group, a historical sports media outlet, partnered with Detroit Sports Podcast to provide daily Lions content for their growing and expanding digital media outlet. Our Lions content can also be read in the newspaper at The Oakland Passionate about Detroit Sports and it is reflected in his coverage of the local teams!