Daunte Culpepper

But for now,rookie quarterback Matthew Stafford’s competing with veteran Daunte Culpepper, who didn’t lead the Lions to a score Saturday night but looked better in comparison, finishing 10-for-16 for 86 yards. (He declined to comment after the game.)

Asked if he hoped he didn’t blow his shot, Stafford said: “No. I’m going to battle week in and week out. Whether I’m starting Day 1 or not, I’m going to be putting pressure on whoever is the starter for as long as I’m here, trying to get in there.”

Stafford sounded upbeat. He said it was a learning experience, just his second NFL exhibition.

“It’s definitely tough losing,” Stafford said. “Not used it. But got to obviously not accept it and just go back to work.”