Rookie quarterback Matthew Stafford’s five touchdown passes in Sunday’s 38-37 win over the Cleveland Browns put him in very elite company.

That is, if you consider Dan Marino and Joe Namath elite company.

According to ESPN research, Stafford is the youngest quarterback in NFL history to throw at least five touchdowns in a game. Stafford at 21 years, 288 days, improved upon the previous two highs by Dan Marino in 1984 (22 years, 353 days) and Joe Namath (23 years, 110 days.)

Pretty impressive. Can’t tell you how many times I’ve dug into the Lions media guide to check and re-check that Stafford is just 21 years old. And, indeed, he was born in February 1988.

Check back here later today for an update on Stafford’s left shoulder which he injured on the second to last play of the game on Sunday. Initial X-rays were negative, but he had more tests to undergo. I’ll post the information as soon as I get it.
— PAULA PASCHE