How Good are the Lions?

[mgoblue2290]

I know Nuk is a hater but Stafford looked good early against Chicago and looked good in the pre-season too. I could tell their was a difference and that the game had slowed down for him. He played from behind a lot last year which led him to force more balls than he should've.

With Stafford this team definitely wins the Chicago game and probably gets one more. Unfortunately he got hurt and it didn't happen so we're 1-5. He should be back after this bye week and hopefully he can jump right back in with little to no rustiness.

[Warner2BruceTD]

yeah... funny how people seem to forget shit like their number 1 ovr franchise QB who is the leader of the offense especially after that gutsy game vs Cleveland that lifted this team. I don't know how I even remembered, or thought Matt would make a difference between not only 2nd and 3rd stringers... but probably the two WORST 2nd and 3rd stringers in the league lol

Shaun Hill is a pretty good backup QB. He's probably better than a handful of starters.

[CrimsonGhost56]

didnt look too hot today. couldn't run for shit and couldn't stop the run for shit. they seem so close... yet so far from being a contender

[Maize]

I knew this was not a playoff season because of we don't have the talent or the depth yet (especially on defense). I agree that we are a few key pieces away, mainly a corner, safety, linebacker, and maybe an upgrade at offensive tackle.

We are a tough team to play, are competitive, and that is all I wanted this season. I want to see what type of team we are with Stafford for an entire game. Washington will be a nice test of that. This year, we are probably good enough for 4-5 wins. Next year, we could be a playoff team.

[JeremyHight]

I don't see how anyone can be sure that Stafford is going to be a good QB. Since Week 5 of last year, he has played in a grand total of 7 games, 4 of which he had passer ratings of 46 or lower. He hasn't been able to finish a game this season and out of a possible 22 possible games, he has only been able to play in 11.

Mark my words, Stafford will never be anything special because of the shit-tastic line in front of him.

[Fox1994]

They also threw 2 INTs in the endzone at the end of the Vikings game in that 14 point loss. They are 2-3 players away from actually being legit. I love watching them this year. In the past they lost the game by halftime. This year it literally comes down to the last drive every game. Exciting stuff. No team looks at the Lions as an easy win this year.

I think that's the problem. I think teams do look at the Lions as an easy win and that's why the games are coming down to the wire. Which is not to say they're not improved. They're doing well, they're in games, and I think they'll be better when Stafford's back. And I wouldn't be surprised if they made the playoffs next year. I'm not guaranteeing it, but you can quote me if you want to hold it against me later.

[Warner2BruceTD]

Shaun Hill career: 61.5%, 84.8 QB rating, 31-18 TD/INT

Matt Stafford career: 54%, 61.9 QB rating, 13-20

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Obviously Stafford has the higher upside, but i'm not sure where people get this idea that these close losses would be wins if Stafford was playing. Hill is a better player right now, and if this was a playoff ready, contending team, Stafford would be sitting for a few years. The Lions are probably a better team with Hill behind C.

Shaun Hill is a high quality backup, one of the few in the league. He's in that Doug Flutie, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Jeff Garcia (late career) type mold of a guy who is a great spark off the bench short term, but gets exposed long term.

[strahanfan92]

I don't know about you guys, but when Matt Stafford was getting ready to come in when Stanton went down on that final drive today I got a lot more nervous.

[mgoblue2290]

Those numbers are from last year and although its hard to tell from an outsider's perspective the team around Stafford is vastly improved. It was only pre-season but I'm telling you, the guy looked very sharp. On offense we added Scheffler, Burleson and Jahvid Best. Also Pettigrew has really stepped up this year and become a reliable target. It also helps that the defense isn't awful this year, it is still bad but it has been improved as well.

[BigHouseUSA]

Hill's been good, after he cut down on mistakes. There's a lot of throws he can't make, once he started cutting those down the last few weeks he's been solid, but nothing overly special. His numbers are slightly bloated because we can't run. From what I've seen of Stafford, he can make those throws, and maybe some of those games change. Either way, Stafford in or out, I still don't think we're good enough.

[Fox1994]

Hill's a very good backup. I just think that Stafford has the potential to catalyze the offense. :ionno: I don't think they're a playoff team in any case, but I think they're teetering on the brink of contending. They certainly look better than last year and the year before.

[mgoblue2290]

Hill's been good, after he cut down on mistakes. There's a lot of throws he can't make, once he started cutting those down the last few weeks he's been solid, but nothing overly special. His numbers are slightly bloated because we can't run. From what I've seen of Stafford, he can make those throws, and maybe some of those games change. Either way, Stafford in or out, I still don't think we're good enough.

Agreed. This team is still about between 4-7 guys away from being a contender. If we can fill 3 or 4 of those spots next year, then we'll at least be in contention for a playoff spot and a 7 to 9 win season.

[Buzzman]

I think that's the problem. I think teams do look at the Lions as an easy win and that's why the games are coming down to the wire. Which is not to say they're not improved. They're doing well, they're in games, and I think they'll be better when Stafford's back. And I wouldn't be surprised if they made the playoffs next year. I'm not guaranteeing it, but you can quote me if you want to hold it against me later.

I think its more of the Lions just playing well. You can't tell me the Giants were overlooking the Lions after what they have done this season. The Lions offense is the #1 in the NFC (before this week) at 25 ppg and the Giants had the #1 scoring and passing defense yet our third string QB passed for 220 yards and had the team in a spot to tie the game. The defense gets stops when at crucial times. Once we get a LB and a CB that will make the world of a difference. We literally have lost 3 MLBs this season and now Follett is probably done for awhile. Our run D sucks because they just dont have the talent to stop them. The secondary has done a great job as of late of limiting the other teams passing attack.

[Warner2BruceTD]

Hill's been good, after he cut down on mistakes. There's a lot of throws he can't make, once he started cutting those down the last few weeks he's been solid, but nothing overly special. His numbers are slightly bloated because we can't run. From what I've seen of Stafford, he can make those throws, and maybe some of those games change. Either way, Stafford in or out, I still don't think we're good enough.

That's why i'm saying Hill is a good "spark guy", but will never be a long term answer.

Don't get me wrong, i'd start Stafford the second he's ready. My point is that Hill does a good job anf is hardly costing the team wins. They've had some bad breaks.

[Buzzman]

Shaun Hill wanted to comeback in the game after breaking his forearm. Dude is a beast.