NFL

Will it be Matthew Stafford or Daunte Culpepper, who will lead Detroit in 2009

August 31, 2009 12:56 pm
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In a league of quarterback controversies – the Detroit Lions are no exception. They are faced with a decision. Choose between a wily veteran in Daunte Culpepper, or the young gun in Matthew Stafford. It’s obvious from the onset when it comes to talent and game experience who the clear victor should be: Daunte Culpepper. But from a franchise perspective the choice is very clear: Matthew Stafford.

Head Coach Jim Schwartz is a rookie in his own right. He will be coaching his first regular season game on September 13th at the New Orleans Superdome as his Detroit Lions face the very strong New Orleans Saints. Jim Schwartz is not green behind the ears but his experience does not revolve around the offensive side of the ball. At 43, Coach Schwartz is a defensive mastermind with the NFL’s royal lineage. He’s worked with the likes of Bill Belichick, Ted Marchibroda (Ray Lewis Defense, Baltimore Ravens) and Jeff Fisher (Tennessee Titans) before being made head coach in January of 2009.

Jim Schwartz really doesn’t have much pressure on him to win games but none the less he wants to kick off the 2009 season with a victory and for that he will play Daunte Culpepper because he gives the Lions the better chance of winning. It’s a foregone conclusion that Culpepper will be starting ahead of the number one draft pick. All that’s left is the song and dance. This foregone decision will not come easily to the Detroit coaching staff as they look for any signs from either Quarterback that will make the decision easier. The coaching staff will look to stats like completion percentages, QB ratings, TD’s and Interceptions in supporting their decision. But its only going to support their decision – Daunte Culpepper will start at quarterback for Detroit’s first game.

What’s really interesting is that Detroit’s front office wants Matthew Stafford to take the first snap and is rooting for the young gunslinger out of Georgia to perform well in this pre-season. The front office would never outright say to start number 9. They used their first round draft pick to select a quarterback and dished out just over 41 million in guaranteed dollars. Six out of the 10 draft picks where used to secure offensive players. There’s no doubt that the front office in Detroit has offense on their mind. This may be difficult when you have a defensive minded head coach.

Daunte Culpepper wants to start and win in Detroit. He’s played very well since dropping 20 pounds for the 2009 season. If you thought he was dangerous earlier in his career with the Minnesota Vikings when it took a direct hit from at least 2 big defensive linemen to bring him down then your really in for a treat as he evades the big hits using mobility and agility. He’s a definite favorite as he faces down blitzing linebackers and picks apart the secondary with accuracy and intelligent throws and experienced decisions. All of these are much needed assets for a team desperately needing talent from anyone and everyone if their hoping to win games in 2009.

Darrick Glen Baxter
NFL Football Blogger
TheRunningBack.com