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Matthew Stafford: ‘I was a little caught off-guard’ about benching

Matthew Stafford

Matthew Stafford played a tremendously poor game on Sunday, but the Detroit Lions quarterback was surprised head coach Jim Caldwell benched the seventh-year starter.

According to Mitch Albom of the Detroit Free Press, Stafford said his third-quarter interception sealed his fate—and place on the sideline.

“I was a little caught off-guard, to be honest. I went out there and tried to play aggressive. We’re down 21 points. Try and get us back in the ball game. Tried to make a big play to Calvin Johnson, and obviously Patrick Peterson made a good play, intercepted the football … and I got to watch the rest of the night. … Not something I’m accustomed to being around.”

Through five games, Stafford leads the NFL with eight interceptions thrown. Additionally, his 6.2 yards per attempt ranks 34th in the league—yes, two backups are better than Stafford this year.

Worst of all, the Lions are 0-5. All playoff aspirations have essentially vanished from a franchise that finished 11-5 last season and appeared in its second postseason in four years.

Part of the blame can be placed on Stafford, whose gunslinging mentality directly contributes to forced passes and turnovers. But the Detroit staff is not without problems, too. Offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi is arguably the most predictable play-caller in the league, which certainly isn’t helping Stafford.

The Lions will attempt to notch their first victory on Sunday when the Chicago Bears come to town, and Stafford likely hopes to make it through the entire game behind center.

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