This Saturday, the NFL playoffs will feature the Detroit Lions (10-6) for the first time in 12 years. Detroit is set to take on the high powered New Orleans Saints (13-3) at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, in what is being regarded by many as the must-see game in the wildcard round.
It hasn’t always been easy for Detroit, who once had the perfect season in reverse, not winning a game. But now, after all the losing, Lions fans have a team that will be in contention for years to come. These Lions, thanks in large part to the play of quarterback Matthew Stafford and receiver Calvin Johnson and a fierce defense, are in position to win their first playoff game since 1957.
Stafford, who has finally had his first injury-free season since entering the league, is a big reason the Lions have been so successful. Throwing for 5,038 yards and 41 touchdowns, and connecting with Johnson for scores 16 times, Stafford has been able to shred opposing defenses.
As a team, the Lions are top five in three main offensive categories, points-per-game (4th), yards-per-game (5th), and thanks to Stafford passing yards-per-game (4th).
This Lions team has a visible swagger, which in large part teammates credit to the emergence of Stafford. “The most impressive thing about Matt is his toughness,” said Detroit receiver Nate Burleson. “It’s one thing to be a pro passer but he’s got certain grit to him. Whether he’s in the middle of a drive or in the huddle, he’s always letting us know that he’s going to do whatever it takes to get things done. He plays quarterback but his personality is more like a linebacker.”
Stafford has quietly compiled numbers comparable to other elite quarterbacks such as Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady, so it was no surprise that although he was not intimidated about lining up opposite New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees. Stafford gave nothing but praise for both his accomplishments and abilities.
“He’s great,” said Stafford on Brees. “He’s playing the position as good as you can possibly play it. Completing a bunch of balls, still being aggressive, he’s got a bunch of weapons. They spread you thin in the secondary and pick their one-on-ones and get after you. Drew is obviously an extremely accurate passer. They do it all. He’s fun to watch. He’s a great player.”
The third seed in this year’s tournament, the Saints are again being led by Brees’ strong play into the playoffs. For the third straight year the Saints are a serious contender for the Lombardi Trophy, and are out to show Stafford and the Lions they still have some growing up to do.
Brees, with the help of teammates, has had his best year as a pro in 2011, during which he broke Dan Marino’s 27-year-old single season passing record by throwing for a jaw dropping 5,476 yards.
Although the Saints are in contention for the Super Bowl, Brees knows that this Saturday’s game has a strong possibility of being a shoot-out, one that could go either way, and acknowledge that Stafford is now one of the league premiere signal callers. “I’m very impressed,” Brees said about Stafford.
“He’s had a phenomenal season. I don’t think he’s received the credit he deserves. I know he’s battled some injury as well. He’s displayed some toughness. Obviously, (he) has fought through a lot. As a young player in this league, too, especially starting as a rookie, there’s a big learning curve. I know that he’s seemed to handle that very well. He’s obviously been a big part of the turnaround there.”
With the first ever post-season matchup of 5,000 yard quarterbacks, fans around the league expect an old west style shoot out, but Lions have something a little different in mind.
“I don’t plan on anybody shooting out our defense,” said Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh. “You can’t discredit the type of offensive team we’re going to face in New Orleans. I look forward to going against a good team. I think it’s one of the proper ways, if you’re going to win the thing, you go through the right teams.”
Suh, perhaps the best defensive tackle in the game, will be playing against the Saints for the first time this season, missing the previous game due to suspension.
Brees, during the Saints first encounter against the Lions in a 31-17 victory in December, threw for 342 yards and three touchdowns, but knows he has to be prepared for anything come game time.
“It could be a back-and-fourth shootout,” said Brees. “It could be a defensive struggle. I think you go into the game with the mindset that it’s certainly going to take all 60 minutes and maybe more.”
Whether this Saturday’s game turns in to a shootout or a defensive battle, one thing is for certain, we will be watching two of the league’s best quarterbacks square off in what’s sure to be a great game.
