Matt Stafford, Highland Park graduate, is having a heck of a season. At age 28 the former Scot and Georgia Bulldog might be coming into his own as an upper echelon quarterback in the NFL.
In 2005, Stafford led the Scots past two incredible teams en route to a state title: Ryan Mallett’s Texas High team and Jevan Snead’s Stephenville. Stafford was a five star, can’t miss prospect, and definitely lived up to the billing with the Bulldogs.
When he was a junior, Stafford’s Bulldogs were ranked #1 in the nation coming into the season. They suffered three losses on the season, including two blowout losses to Alabama and Florida, but still finished with a huge bowl win over Michigan State.
Stafford was taken first overall by the Detroit Lions, who were coming off the worst season in NFL history. They were 0-16 after winning all four of their preseason games, and desperate for something, anything to make a difference.
Success hasn’t come quickly or easily for the Lions. They’ve had to struggle and fight and pull out all of the stops to fight up from the cellar of the NFL. After eight seasons, the Lions are at 6-4 and if they beat the Vikings today, they’ll be in the lead in the NFC North.
Stafford is key today. If he doesn’t make mistakes, this is a game that the Lions should win. If he turns the ball over a couple times, they’ll have a chance to lose to a Teddy Bridgewater-less Vikings. It all depends on how the former Scot plays.
Brought to you by:
