There are rumors floating around that Matthew Stafford will be named the Lions’ starting quarterback for Week 1 before the start of training camp. Now these rumors are likely just that rumors, but let’s hope Stafford is not just handed the job.

 

Stafford should be named the starter when he is ready to play at the NFL level, not when he is better than Daunte Culpepper. Let’s be honest, beating out Culpepper doesn’t exactly put you in line to make the Pro Bowl.

If Stafford is sent out too early then this town will eat him alive. There were already fans who booed the pick and are just waiting for Stafford to throw an interception so they can say, ‘I told you so.’

Stafford could have the most pressure on him of any No. 1 overall pick in history. Think about it. He is drafted by the first team to go 0-16 in NFL history. Add in the fact that there’s a rookie GM and a rookie head coach, who are both looking to prove they belong.

If that’s not enough, consider the fans he has to win over. The same fans that remember the last two first rounds choices the Lions used on quarterbacks (Joey Harrington and Andre Ware). These fans won’t be won over easily. In fact, it’s likely the exact opposite. There are probably countless fans waiting for Stafford to fall on his face because they have grown accustomed to the Lions losing.

Changing the losing mentality of the Lions won’t be easy for Stafford, but don’t make it any harder by throwing him in too fast and giving him a job he couldn’t have possibly earned in mini-camp. Lets put some pads on before any decisions are made.