Detroit Lions Coach: Fans Don’t Appreciate Matthew Stafford

By Cory Buck | Dec 23, 2014

Dec 21, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) drops back to pass against the Chicago Bears during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /

Detroit Lions coach Jim Caldwell said that fans don’t appreciate quarterback Matthew Stafford as much as they should.

The Detroit Lions have clinched a playoff spot and could very well end up atop the NFC North for their efforts. Much of this year’s success has been attributed to the defense though as the offense has dropped off from production levels in years past. As a result, Matthew Stafford’s rep in the NFL has taken a big hit, which is a shame if you ask Lions coach Jim Caldwell.

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“I think there’s a lack of appreciation for him around here, I think, at times,” Caldwell said at his weekly news conference, per the Detroit Free Press. “Let me just tell you something: He’s a man’s man. He’s a tough guy. He gets hit out there every single ballgame, he hangs in there, and there may be one he’d like to have back, but then there’s a couple others, or one other that’s probably not all his fault.”

It’s certainly tougher to appreciate someone when they make the 2014 Chicago Bears defense look like the 1985 Bears. Stafford threw two second quarter interceptions that kept this game close right to the end. The Lions escaped with a win, but Stafford certainly didn’t make things easy.

Despite a lackluster Week 16, Stafford hit the 4,000 yard mark on the season in that game. It’s the fourth straight season in which he has done so — a team record. While he hasn’t been tearing up the league, Stafford’s efforts have been enough to aid a sterling defense that’s put this Lions team in the playoffs. If he can step up from here on out and deliver some playoff success, fans will surely give him the credit Caldwell feels he’s due.

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