Detroit Lions – Five reasons Matthew Stafford succeeds in late-game comebacks

Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford walks off the field after an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings Sunday, Nov. 6, 2016, in Minneapolis. The Lions won 22-16 in overtime. (AP Photo/Andy Clayton-King)
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Nov. 6, 2016, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)

By Paula Pasche | The Oakland Press

PUBLISHED: November 7, 2016 at 3:39 p.m. | UPDATED: June 17, 2021 at 6:38 a.m.

ALLEN PARK >> After each of the Lions’ five wins this season, Matthew Stafford’s national profile has risen.

Not every NFL quarterback has the ability to win tight games with so little time on the clock.

In the locker room after Sunday’s improbable 22-16 overtime win over the Vikings on the road, he told his teammates that fans are going to have to learn not to leave early.

PHOTOS FROM LIONS OT WIN OVER VIKINGS

Get this, teams that were down exactly three points with 30 seconds or less in the fourth quarter with the ball inside their own 30 were 0-98 since 2001.

That was until Stafford went to work with 23 seconds left to tie the game on Sunday. And then in overtime he drove the offense 87 yards before tossing the winning touchdown to Golden Tate.

The Lions (5-4) have trailed in the fourth quarter of every game this season. Since 2011 nobody has more fourth-quarter comebacks than Stafford.

Five reasons Stafford has become Captain Comeback:

1. It is not easy. The pressure alone could make lesser quarterbacks wilt. “I don’t think (comebacks) ever become a routine because it’s so difficult to do,” coach Jim Caldwell said. “He appears to make it a little bit easier than what it actually is because he’s done so many, but the fact of the matter is it’s hard. It’s hard not to have some glitches along way. They kind of set you back that you can’t overcome in those situations, particularly away from home.”

2. Stafford became the first quarterback since the 1970 merger to lead his team to five game-winning drives in each of his team’s first five wins of the season, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. His game-winning drive in overtime at Minnesota represented the 25th in his career – his fifth this season – when the team trailed or was tied in the fourth quarter or in overtime.

3. Caldwell said Stafford’s preparation is the top reason he’s been so successful. “No. 2, he has great confidence that he doesn’t back down and doesn’t shrink away from those moments and the guys that are around him can sense that and I think it gives them a little bit more confidence,” Caldwell said. “They make plays along the way for him. They catch it for him. They block for him. I think they believe if they give him enough time that he can probably get us in position to score.”

4. It seems like an odd things to say but think about it. “He’s not afraid to lose, and I think that in itself gives us a bit of an advantage,” Caldwell said. Since he became the Lions head coach in 2014, Stafford now leads the NFL with 13 game-winning drives in the fourth quarter or overtime.

5. Stafford’s mental toughness is without question. It appears it may be contagious. “I do think that we’re starting to develop some sense of mental toughness in those situations. Because we’ve been in so many (situations) I think there’s going to be some value for us down the road here as we keep playing week to week,” Caldwell said. “I just think overall it’s our approach and I think it’s a mental toughness of the guys that are out there. I think that’s probably the biggest thing. They just don’t feel that they’re ever out of a game. As long as they’re within striking distance they can make something happen.” It makes it easier with a quarterback like Stafford.