It’s unbelievable that so many Lions fans wanted Daunte Culpepper to get the start on Thursday instead of Matthew Stafford. Does anyone remember the last time that Culpepper started against the Packers? it was on Oct. 18 at Lambeau Field and the Lions were shut out 26-0. Obviously, offense was lacking.

Stafford would not have played unless he was healthy enough to do so. Coach Jim Schwartz reiterated on Friday that Stafford’s four interceptions had nothing to do with his injured, non-throwing left shoulder. (Two of them had more to do with a healthy Charles Woodson.) The Lions had time for only one full practice in the short week and that was only full-speed for half the time. So, no, missing practice did not affect Stafford’s game either. He was in meetings, he watched film and he was on the field watching practice. It’s not unusual for this time of year to play after missing practice. Safety Louis Delmas had limited practice because of a bad ankle and he also started.

Schwartz also said he had no second thoughts about starting Stafford. This kid is the future of the franchise. It’s not pretty at times, but he’s gaining NFL experience. Unlike other young quarterbacks who have come before him in Detroit, he’s already proven he’s tough mentally and physically. If the Lions had a better running game, along with stronger offensive line play, Stafford’s numbers would be much better.
— PAULA PASCHE