Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford has thrown 10 interceptions in Detroit’s last five games, a five-game stretch during which the Lions have gone 1-4 and fallen out of first place. Stafford acknowledges that’s a problem.
“There are definitely throws that I wish I had back,” Stafford said Friday. “I feel like I’ve made some good plays, but bottom line is winning and losing games. They make a field goal at the end of the game to win it. We have a chance to come back. We don’t get it done with 30-something seconds left. That’s a tough pill to swallow.”
At the same time, Stafford told reporters that criticism from the media doesn’t bother him because he doesn’t pay attention to the media.
“I don’t want to hurt y’alls feelings, but I don’t really listen to it or read it honestly or hear about it,” he said. “It’s actually been pretty stress free for me. Obviously, I want to play good. Not for you guys, but for my teammates and for the coaches in the locker room. They put a ton of hard work in. We are all doing everything we can to play as good as we possibly can. I’m not different.”
Stafford has undeniable talent, but the issues with his mechanics and decision making have been apparent throughout his career, with little improvement. Stafford says he wants to play well for his coaches, but the reality is that his poor play down the stretch this year may result in him getting some new coaches -- perhaps coaches who can finally make his production match his talent.