NFL Exec on Stafford: 'He's Not in a Position to Maximize His Ability'

Multiple NFL executives wonder what has Stafford really accomplished in his NFL career

John Maakaron | Jul 8, 2020

Matthew Stafford has spent his entire 11-year NFL career playing for one organization.

Unfortunately, playing for the Detroit Lions has not brought Stafford or the team the level of success that anyone would have originally envisioned.

"It's the Stafford syndrome -- he plays in Detroit, so he's not in a position to maximize his ability," one NFC exec said via ESPN. "He's a major talent who'd probably be a top-five quarterback with an established franchise. He can score from anywhere on the field."

In a recent ranking of NFL quarterbacks, Stafford was listed as the 10th-best NFL quarterback, per the results of 50 league executives, coaches, scouts and players voting.

As ESPN writer Jeremy Fowler explains,

"Most everyone agrees Stafford's arm is top-five level. He was on pace for nearly 5,000 yards and 38 touchdowns before a back injury cut his 2019 season short.

He was phenomenal from inside the pocket, with a league-leading 82.7 QBR, 66.2 completion percentage, 8.8 yards per attempt, 17 touchdowns and three interceptions.

The core issue with Stafford is simple.

'What has he really done?' asked multiple execs, referring to his 0-3 playoff record."

Despite many around the league wondering about Stafford's resume, there is potential to accomplish more this upcoming season for the Lions organization.

Many of Detroit's top offensive weapons are returning, and the organization has made a concerted effort to bolster the running game and the offensive line.

If Stafford can remain healthy, he may actually begin to answer some of the questions from many across the NFL.

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Published Jul 8, 2020

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!