QB Matthew Stafford fired a rocket over the middle through a tight window to WR Nate Burleson. We've known about Stafford's arm and aggressiveness since the Lions drafted him No. 1 last year, so that part is no surprise. This was significant.
First, Stafford is healthy again. He's past the knee and shoulder injuries he suffered last season, knocking him out of the lineup, hampering him when he returned.
"I feel a lot better," Stafford said. "My shoulder feels good. My knee's feeling a lot better. As far as throwing the ball, I can step into it and let it go as good as I ever have."
Second, Stafford has support. The Lions signed Burleson in March largely because they needed someone to make defenses pay for smothering WR Calvin Johnson. On this play, Stafford made the defense think he was going to the big guy.
Third, Stafford has the talent to put it all together. You should have seen offensive coordinator Scott Linehan smile -- and heard defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham swear -- when the ball was completed.
Stafford will be an interesting fantasy QB option this year. The Lions will be better overall, but still figure to play from behind, which means he could put up some monster garbage numbers. Interceptions could be a concern if he has to throw a lot, but Stafford figures to be an outside-the-top-10 QB, who should make for a nice QB2 on your team.
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