USA Today via Reuters
Jan 3, 2021; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) makes a touchdown pass to wide receiver Marvin Jones (not pictured) against the Minnesota Vikings during the first quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports | Courtesy: Reuters
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 3, 2021; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) makes a touchdown pass to wide receiver Marvin Jones (not pictured) against the Minnesota Vikings during the first quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports | Courtesy: Reuters
NFC North franchise, the Detroit Lions, finally parted ways with their loyal quarterback Matthew Stafford last week. They traded Stafford to Los Angeles Rams in exchange for Jared Goff, 2 future first-round picks, and 1 third-round pick.
In doing so, Sean McVay’s side managed to bring in a Top-7 quarterback with hopes of making it to the Super Bowl in 2021.
But what if they don’t? Will the Stafford trade deal go down as one of the biggest flops in NFL history? Here’s what his former teammate-turned NFL analyst has to say on the same.
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Former Lions QB Dan Orlovsky expecting big things from Matthew Stafford
"I expect an Aaron Rodgers 2020 season out of Matthew Stafford [next year]."
—@danorlovsky7 👀 pic.twitter.com/Kk6L7MPcRf
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) February 1, 2021
Former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky spent five years of his career in Michigan with the Detroit Lions (2005-08, 2014-16). He was excited to see former teammate Stafford earn a well-deserved move to the Rams last week.
Now, Orlovsky wants the ‘man of the moment’ to emulate one of the greatest QBs to ever play in the league, Aaron Rodgers.
“He (Matthew Stafford) never had a T0p-10 defense… He’s never had a run game. He’s gonna have one of the Top-5 run games in the NFL.
“You’re talking about taking a top seven talent at the position and putting it in one of the friendliest offenses in the NFL for a quarterback.
“I look at it and say I expect an Aaron Rodgers 2019 or 2020 season out of Matthew Stafford,” Orlovsky said on the show.
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USA Today via Reuters
Jan 3, 2021; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) drops back to pass during the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Stafford has earned comparisons with Rodgers for a major chunk of his career with the Lions. In Detroit, one could argue that he did not have the sufficient arsenal in offense or a strong defense to back him and push for the NFC North crown.
But the situation in Los Angeles is totally different. With Aaron Donald, Jalen Ramsey, Cooper Kupp, and others at his disposal, Stafford needs to put together at least an NFC Championship run with the Rams in 2021.
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Can he live up to expectations? Tell us what you think in the comments section below.
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