Stafford starting is a terrible move by the hapless Lions

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Well, it looks like the Detroit Lions don't want to win many -- if any -- games this year, too.

The Lions, under first-year coach Jim Schwartz, have decided to play for the future right away by naming No. 1 pick Matthew Stafford as the team's starting quarterback.

Yes, time to get your head bashed in Stafford. Lucky you.

For a team that's not very good -- OK, real bad -- at least last year, you can't tell me this team has vastly improved enough to believe that Stafford playing gives the Lions the best chance to win.

Hey, it' s a popular pick for the fans who want to see their rookie play, but is it a great move from a winning standpoint?

No, it's not. Remember, they've got this guy named Daunte Culpepper. Ever heard of him?

While he's no Tom Brady or Drew Brees, Culpepper is a veteran that has been a winner, has seen virtually every defense a team can throw at him and he knows how to lead a pro football team.

Does Stafford? No, not yet. Not to say he's bad, but he's got no pro experience. It's scary and a lot of pressure to put on a rookie.

He's not even getting a chance to hold a clipboard to learn the system and how to be a professional. Instead, he's getting thrown into the fire. 

It's sink or swim, baby.

No doubt he's going to get exposed. Hey, he's a rookie, what do you want?

If he fails and fails hard, how will Stafford respond in future years? That's a tough question but one that I wouldn't want to deal with right now. I say let him wait a year or even half the season to play, but right now is way too soon. 

I think it's a real bad decision, but the Lions have proven over the years they know what they're doing.

Right!

You can't blame Matt Millen for this move.