Grading the Detroit Lions offensive starters

MATTHEW STAFFORD.

Jan 23, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Indianapolis Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri (4), Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (center) and Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (right) pose during team photos for the 2015 Pro Bowl at The Arizona Biltmore. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Health: Health as been a minor issue for Stafford in the past few years. Just some soreness and bleeding. Otherwise Stafford has been able to stay healthy enough to play every week.

GRADE: 5

Big Play: Matthew Stafford has been the king of the live or die play since his rookie year. This season Stafford has been responsible for four 4th quarter comebacks all of which had one or two big plays that defined the game.

Grade: 4

Dependability: Stafford plays the position that is the most depended on position on the entire team. With that said I believe Stafford has answered the call more often than not. When the team needed to come back or hold the lead Stafford usually did so. However there were times that Stafford was nowhere to be found when he was needed.

Grade: 3

Smart Play: Any football fan will argue with you till the sun comes up about Matthew Stafford and his play. One thing that will end that argument is the way he played this season. While statistically it wasn’t sexy. It cannot be ignored that Stafford played his smartest football in 2014. Stafford threw a career low 12 interceptions and learned to pick his battles. By that I mean he threw the ball away more often than trying to force it to Calvin or try to make something happen.

Grade: 4

Impact: There is a direct correlation between Stafford playing smarter and the Lions winning 11 games. By cutting down on mistakes and turnovers the Lions were able to improve on time of possession and scoring drives. Stafford was asked to take on a lot more responsibility than he’s used to while also learning a new scheme and instead of regressing he improved in many important facets of his game.

Grade: 4

Final Grade: 20