RADIO
After Sunday’s Week 8 pounding by the Kansas City Chiefs in London, with an abysmal record of 1-7, it’s safe to say that the Lions’ season is all but over. Simply put, the Detroit Lions have been a complete and total disappointment in recent weeks.
Unfortunately, for fantasy owners, citizens of the Motor City and Lions’ fans all over the country, quarterback Matthew Stafford is having one of the worst seasons of his seven-year career. While much of this is due to Stafford’s inability to remain composed in the pocket and irresponsible gun-slinger’s mentality, a great portion of his lack of success can be attributed to the offensive line.
In London, Stafford completed 22-of-36 passes for 217 total yards, resulting in one touchdown and two interceptions. That, however, isn’t the headlining failure of this particular contest. Worst of all, Stafford was sacked six times in the Lion’s blowout loss to the Chiefs.
While the Lions’ offensive coordinator was recently changed, there’s no excuse for failing to give Stafford any chance of turning in a successful performance. As far as most pro football experts are concerned, the Lions biggest issues came from their inability to pick up extra rushers and properly execute a hot read.
Combined with poor protection, Stafford’s lackluster decision-making isn’t doing his team any good. The quarterback’s first interception came on an attempted cross-body throw to Ameer Abdullah. Though it appeared Abdullah might have cut his route short, the throw was ill-advised, to say the least.
Similarly, Stafford’s second interception could’ve been avoided had the struggling quarterback not thrown yet another late pass across the middle of the field. The ball was tipped into the air by a Chiefs’ safety and subsequently intercepted by Justin Houston.
Sure, the offense was able to gain a bit of garbage momentum later on in the game, but by that point, the damage had already been done. Stafford is currently on pace for 4,166 yards, 26 touchdowns and 22 interceptions. Should Stafford reach 22 interceptions, it would be his career-high. Needless to say, until the Lions can sort out their issues on the offensive line, fantasy owners should pass on Stafford as a viable option in all football formats.
