Caldwell: Stafford ripe for improvement
By Jeff Adcox
A lot has been written about how new Detroit Lions head coach Jim Caldwell thinks quarterback Matthew Stafford needs to improve is accuracy and timing. And apparently, the time is now.
During a session with the media today during the NFL’s annual meetings, Caldwell said Stafford is right at the point in his career where most signal-callers begin to show major improvements in their game.
"“Through my experience, in years four, five and six is when you really start to see a climb at that position,” Caldwell said. “It takes a while to get it done. For a guy to come into this league and perform at an All-Pro level, right at the onset in pro football is rare.“Usually when it does happen, it’s with a guy who’s coupled with a team that has a great defense and can run the ball. They don’t put it all on his shoulders. Most of the time, though, the guy starts to develop in that four-five-six year range. That’s where he is right now.”"
Stafford has been the Lions’ starter from day one since he was drafted five years ago. Last season he threw 29 touchdowns, but he also tossed 19 picks.