NFL: The Story of Matthew Stafford
To Love and Hate: The Story of Matthew Stafford.
Matthew Stafford is the greatest quarterback in Detroit Lions history and there is not really much of a argument one could muster up against that statement. Despite having been in the league for less than 10 years, Stafford is the Lions statistical leader in just about every single passing category. It is truly remarkable with what he has done and is certainly on his way to the Hall of Fame. Here I will explain why Stafford is the most loved and most hated figure in Detroit sports.
First we will start with why he is hated. Kicking off with the good old "he's never won a playoff game" story. Stafford first tasted the playoffs at the Super Dome against the New Orleans Saints in the 2011 season. The Lions were blown out leading to his next appearance in 2014 on the road at the Dallas Cowboys, where Stafford had the chance to piece together a game winning drive, but fumbled on fourth down. Lastly there was last season against Seattle, where Stafford couldn't get together any offense leading to a Lions defeat.
Stafford never reached over a 100 QBR in each of his three playoff starts. Then theres the 5-46 record against teams over .500 heading into the 2017 season. Now, football is a game with so many different positions, the quarterback being the most important. Seeing guys like Brady and Rodgers man up and lead their team to wins despite the odds, infurates the Detroit faithful knowing Stafford really has not been able to do that, his whole career.
Saving the best for last, here is why he is loved. Stafford has been statistically one of the greatest players of all-time breaking many Lions and NFL records since coming into the league in 2009. He has thrown for over 5,000 yards in a season and has been the fastest quarterback to reach 30,000 yards which is truly remarkable. Another reason why he is so loved is that he is just so willing. He is a tough, blue collar, caring, and fighter-type of individual. His mentality is that he will do whatever it takes to get the job done and that competitive nature is so loved by many. He has shown this through a fake spike and diving over the goal line to win against Dallas to throwing a game-winning touchdown with a dislocated shoulder.
In conclusion, Matthew Stafford is undoubtably Detroit's most controversial athlete. One week he is hated and wanted to be run out of town and the next he is cheered and called incredible. But I think it is time we appreciate what we have in Stafford, a young guy who is the best ever at his position for this franchise. Whether you love him or not, one thing is for certain and that is he is one of the most polarizing Detroit sports figures of all-time.
Photo Credit: ESPN.
