Lions: Jim Caldwell Talks Up Matthew Stafford’s Leadership
By Zac Snyder
Matthew Stafford and the Detroit Lions offense looks to take a big step forward in the second year under the current coaching staff. Expectations weren’t met last season as the offense often felt disjointed and never really found a rhythm.
That has to change if the Lions are to successfully follow up on their 11-win regular season and playoff appearance last season and it starts, as all offenses in the NFL do, with the quarterback position.
When asked about Stafford’s leadership qualities, Caldwell didn’t hold back.
"I think he’s an outstanding leader. He works, he’s committed and he has talent. I think those things all add up to a guy that, in his second year of our offense, will show that. I don’t think that there will be any question about him."
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Stafford has taken more ownership of the offense heading into year two under the direction of offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi. Caldwell hit on Stafford’s leadership in the offense as well.
"Obviously he’s one of those guys, just a supreme warrior, and he does a great job of setting the tone for the rest of the team. He has tremendous knowledge, and anytime you have that kind of experience, it certainly does help you with your adjustments."
Stafford and Calvin Johnson have gotten together in previous offseason to run some drills together but Stafford opened up the group to include a handful of receivers who were able to make the trip, including second-year tight end Eric Ebron. The hope is that the extra work will lead to more continuity between quarterback and receivers and that it will help the offense hit the ground running with training camp underway.
It’s too soon to say the extra effort will pay off but it is a good sign when players willingly get together for extra work and the early returns look promising. Stafford was reportedly sharp in the first practice of camp and Calvin Johnson and Eric Ebron both hauled in nice catches during the team portion of practice.
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*Quotes provided by the Detroit Lions