Detroit Lions' Matthew Stafford Needs To Read Defenses Better

Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford has jaw-dropping arm strength. He can fit a throw into the tightest windows and bomb the football over 60 yards. While physical tools for a quarterback are required, the mental game is what distinguishes the average from the elite. Remember former Oakland Raiders QB JaMarcus Russell and his mammoth arm strength? If anyone doesn’t, it’s because his lethargic work ethic and pedestrian football IQ booted him out of the league.

Talent puts players in the league, but hard work keeps them. Stafford has all of the physical tools of an elite QB, but falls short in the football IQ department. Time and time again, Stafford proves he cannot decipher opposing defenses. After his magical 2011 season, defenses adjusted and crippled him. Every time a defense drops its linebackers into coverage and forces him to work the field, he’s error-prone. Surely, he makes some immaculate throws, but they can’t compensate for his lack of a well-rounded mental game.

The Lions were destitute of offense throughout their meltdown in Game 1 against the San Diego Chargers. Once the Chargers dialed in some blitzes and mixed coverages, Stafford struggled. Throughout the second half, he was held to under 200 passing yards and a touchdown — and that touchdown and over 80 of those yards came during the last minutes of the game, when San Diego’s defense was in prevent. That’s not very impressive, and leaves much to be desired.

The Lions knew Philip Rivers was capable of a comeback because he can decode defenses. Stafford lacks in that department, and that’s why his physical gifts are overshadowed. At this point, it doesn’t make a difference how powerful his arm is — look at New Orleans Saints QB Drew Brees. While he lacks arm strength, his intelligence propelled him to a Super Bowl victory and countless record-breaking moments. Quarterbacks like the aforementioned require multiple complex schemes from opponents. Stafford doesn’t.

He can’t crack defenses like elite QBs do. Defenses drop their linebackers, and Stafford can’t move the ball. He needs to be savvier. The reason Detroit feels the need to take what the defense gives it is because its QB can’t dictate opposing defenses and its coverages himself. Even with a loaded offense, average defenses fluster him.

If Stafford can’t solve opposing schemes, Detroit’s offense will remain bland and underwhelming. And that would be such a shame, considering it’s blooming with talent. Nobody can question Stafford’s physical gifts, but his football IQ is debatable. If he doesn’t excel mentally, the Lions aren’t going anywhere.