Detroit Lions Fate Now Rests Squarely On Matthew Stafford

May 27, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during OTA at Detroit Lions Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

It didn’t take long in 2014 for the Detroit Lions to discover their identity. They became a defensive powerhouse that suffocated the run (69.3 yards allowed) and limited opposing scoring (17.6 points allowed) while playing ball-control offense mixed in with some aggressive shots when the situation called for it. That was enough to earn them a wild card berth in the playoffs, but couldn’t get them beyond the first round, falling to Dallas after building a 14-point lead.

Now Ndamukong Suh, the engine that drove that excellent defensive surge is gone. Nick Fairley is, as well, leaving the unit in a state of repair. That puts the teams’ burden of winning on one set of shoulders. Matthew Stafford had no problems playing second fiddle last season and did it well enough with over 4,200 yards passing and 24 touchdowns. However, those numbers are actually part of a steady decline he’s experienced over the past four seasons.

And Matthew Stafford isn't worried about his passing numbers: 'I just want to win' http://t.co/BJNkyyLrSq via @freep
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) June 19, 2015

Part of that is due to a shift in offensive scheme, but it also has the look of a trend. After his breakout year in 2011 when he had 5,000 yards and 41 touchdowns passing, it seems like defenses have found ways to contain him and he hasn’t been able to adjust. Could some of it be the noticeable dip in effectiveness of wide receiver Calvin Johnson?

Perhaps to a degree, but at the end of the day the Lions handed Stafford $41.5 million in guaranteed money to be the guy that gets them to their first Super Bowl. He’s been the starter for six seasons now. Isn’t it about time he took the reins and put the team on his back? Well, whether he’s ready or not, with Suh gone that is going to happen in 2015. He has the weapons and an improved offensive line. The offense will be more familiar.

The excuses are starting to run dry.

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