Stafford's poor passing stats?

It amazes me all the chatter about Stafford and Johnson being in a slump and being such a big disappointment this season. Just think of how much better Stafford would be if he had a consistent ground game (like Eli and Jay Cutler) or if he didn't always have to play from behind because of a sorry defense. Again, he led a game winning drive today to bail the team out and Titus and Pettigrew and Backus played well. But I think we would see a much better statistical QB if there were balance on other parts of the ball. The Lions as they are currently built put too much pressure on the QB position to bail them out.





WallyRob1249

(Formerly RWalker from AOL Board)

RLMcB wrote:Robert, both the offense and defense are rated in the top ten. The defense is tops in tackles for loss in the running game. The offense has sputtered at times and been anemic to begin some games. However, the kick-off coverage and punt coverage are directly responsible for two losses. For all the injuries on the defense, from C Will, Levy to all the DBs, they have held up pretty well. Some guy always seems to step up, like Ricardo Silva yesterday, with a fumble recovery and an INT. Even Alphonso Smith had a good game. On offense, someone stepped up like they should, but few have in the last few games. Titus Young should have dispelled any talk of why he was drafted with yesterday's performance. He and Broyles will fill Burleson's shoes nicely. Next Sunday they have a road game they should win @ Jax, which would make them 4-4 @ the half-way mark. Then the following week another back to back road game @ Minny, one they really need to win. After that, 5 of the last seven games are @ home.

This is a repeat of last year and again I'll argue what I did after so many talked about the Lions top 10 defense in the first half last year. The offenses they have played so far are ranked as such: 28, 8, 24, 22, 14, 26, 30 in yards per game. That is an average of about 22. In points per game those teams ranked: 31, 15, 21, 16, 29, 8, 28 for an average of 21. I just don't see how this defense should be lauded on anything to this point. If they keep this up against the Packers, Houston and Atlanta I'll give them props. They didn't play very well yesterday...They gave up 369 yards to a team that averages 303 ypg. This 30th ranked offense of the Seahawks normally scores 17ppg but the Lions gave up 24.

They should beat Jax but then they should've beaten TN and then MN at home. I never had a problem with picking Young...I had a problem picking Broyles. Broyles may end up being pretty good but he was a luxury pick when it was clear yesterday that Raiola, Peterman, Cherilus and even Sims aren't much to write home about on the OL.

To me this is a 3-4 team for three reasons... 1. STs has been atrocious though improving a shade the past couple of weeks. 2. Way too many penalties. 3. A pretty pitiful give/take ratio.

Robert, both the offense and defense are rated in the top ten. The defense is tops in tackles for loss in the running game. The offense has sputtered at times and been anemic to begin some games. However, the kick-off coverage and punt coverage are directly responsible for two losses. For all the injuries on the defense, from C Will, Levy to all the DBs, they have held up pretty well. Some guy always seems to step up, like Ricardo Silva yesterday, with a fumble recovery and an INT. Even Alphonso Smith had a good game.
RLMcB - the Lions defensive rankings show just how meaningless these stats can be. While the Lions may be tops in tackles for loss in the running game, I wonder where they rank in allowing opposing teams to convert on third downs. Yesterday, I turned the station every time the Lions scored because I knew the defense would somehow give it right back. There's no way the Lions defense should have allowed a rookie QB (a 5'10 rookie to boot) stand tall in the pocket in a comfort zone and lead his team up and down the field like they let Wilson yesterday. On the Lynch TD, the guy ran through untouched. Horrible! Folks make a big ado about the number of comeback wins Stafford leads - but its only because he plays on team whose defense (and special teams I will concede) always leaves them in a position to play from behind. I think Jim Schwartz should be in trouble job wise because sloppy play and breakdowns are his team's hallmark. Gunther Cunningham at the very least needs to go after this season if not before. But already, Mayhew is one, two years behind schedule taking these actions just like he was negligent in not addressing the defensive back seven higher in the draft.

Well this may be my last post for a few days. Sandy is on the way and we are sure to lose power any hour/min. now. Check w/ you guys later...