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Detroit Lions: A look at Matthew Stafford’s First 100 Games

By Erik Schlitt

Sep 11, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) walks off the field after defeating the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Lions won 39-35. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) walks off the field after defeating the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Lions won 39-35. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 21, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) against the New Orleans Saints during the first quarter a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 21, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) against the New Orleans Saints during the first quarter a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

2015

16 games, 7-9 record, 4,262 passing yards, 32 TD, 13 INT, 159 rush yards, 1 TD

While Lombardi’s offense helped Stafford efficiency in 2014, it had the opposite effect in 2015. Stafford never seemed comfortable with the play calling and was noticeably frustrated with Lombardi on several occasions. After seven games, Lions owner Martha Ford had seen enough, and fired Lombardi as well as several other offensive coaches.

Replacing Lombardi was the quarterbacks coach Jim Bob Cooter. In week eight the Lions traveled to London and in order to alleviate pressure on Stafford Cooter simplified Lombardi’s playbook, it’s wasn’t effective. So after a week nine bye, Cooter changed the offense even more drastically, focusing on plays that utilized Stafford’s strengths.

It worked.

Stafford looked like a new player. Confident and empowered in Cooter’s offense, Stafford would go on to tear opponents apart. The Philadelphia Eagles stood no chance against him on Thanksgiving, where he scored five touchdowns with ease. His 88% completion rate in Saints game is franchise record. Stafford would finish the season as the only quarterback in NFL history to have a completion percentage of 60% or more in every game.

I broke-down the difference in Stafford’s statistical efficiency while under his two offensive coordinators last August. If you’re interested in a more dynamic look at his numbers, you can read it: Here.

Another Sandman compilation of season highlights:

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