5 reasons the Detroit Lions will return to playoffs in 2017
By John Buhler
2. Matthew Stafford is in his prime
It finally happened. 2016 was the coming out year for Lions starting quarterback Matthew Stafford. For a good part of the season, Stafford was a serious candidate for NFL MVP. He had this never-say-die mentality to playing quarterback for the Lions in so many of those fourth-quarter comebacks.
Playing quarterback for a losing culture has not been easy for the former No. 1 overall pick out of the University of Georgia. He’s had unbelievable talent at the position, but long needed the stability around him to succeed. Stafford has found that with Caldwell at head coach and Cooter at offensive coordinator.
Keep in mind that Stafford had his best season in his first year without Calvin Johnson, who retired from the NFL after nine seasons. Undoubtedly, the Lions became Stafford’s team after Johnson’s retirement. Stafford played unencumbered until suffering ligament damage to his middle finger on his throwing hand. That injury derail his and the Lions’ season in December, but he’s very much in his prime as a professional.
As he approaches 30, Stafford should stay at this upper echelon of quarterbacking until his mid-30s. He has the arm talent that probably will never wane. For the first time since he played at Georgia, Stafford doesn’t seem to be burdened playing quarterback in Detroit. He’s already the best quarterback in franchise history. Look for him to take that next step in 2017 and be a serious MVP candidate into late December 2017.