Detroit Lions – It’s no miracle, 5 reasons Stafford-Cooter connection succeeds

Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) throws against the Washington Redskins during an NFL football game in Detroit, Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016. Detroit won 20-17. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9), left, walks towards wide receiver Calvin Johnson (81) and Detroit Lions offensive co-ordinator Jim Bob Cooter on the touchline during the NFL football game between Detroit Lions and Kansas City Chiefs Wembley Stadium in London, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2015. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)

By Paula Pasche | The Oakland Press

PUBLISHED: October 26, 2016 at 3:12 p.m. | UPDATED: June 17, 2021 at 6:41 a.m.

ALLEN PARK >> It’s been a year since Jim Bob Cooter took over as the Lions offensive coordinator. Since then Matthew Stafford and the offense have found a rhythm.

Stafford is pitching career numbers. His name is being tossed about as a possible NFL MVP candidate.

“I know everybody’s trying to act as if it’s some great miracle or something of that nature. All I say to you is, this young man has played great football before we came,” coach Jim Caldwell said on Wednesday.

“I think when the question was asked of me about what I thought of him, before I even saw him take a snap under our regime, I told you this guy is a really, really fine quarterback. He’s had great quarterback play before we got here, and he’s demonstrating that he’s playing well now. All it’s been is his focus and hard work, determination, excellent leadership, since the first day we got here. I’m assuming that was going on prior to, as well,” the coach added.

Stafford has thrown 15 touchdowns and four interceptions in the first seven games with a 68-percent completion rate. In the last 13 games he’s had 32 touchdowns and five interceptions.

“Statistically, obviously he’s doing well. I think when you look overall, he’s had some great years before. But, I do think that he’s in sync with what I think Jim Bob has been doing with him. From not only coaching him as a quarterback coach, but then also as a coordinator. (Brian Callahan) Cally also helps in those areas,” Caldwell said. “Our entire offensive staff kind of chiming in on things that they think will work in different situations, and I think everybody has kind of benefitted from that. So, I think they’re operating pretty well right now.”

Here are five thoughts from Stafford about his game right now:

1. He said working with Cooter and his experience have come into play. “I hopefully am learning every time I go practice and play, every time I take a snap from under center. Whether it’s on the practice field, in walk-through or in a game, I’m trying to soak up as much as I can,” Stafford said on Wednesday. “That’s part of getting better, is getting experience. But, at the same time being on the same page with the coordinator and having good dialogue with him. Him understanding you, and you understanding him helps as well.”

2. Stafford does not care about the increase in media attention. “I don’t really pay too much attention to it. My job is to play well for this team, not for anybody else out there,” Stafford said. “I prepare and play for the coaches and the players in that locker room, and that’s all I really care about.”

3. So it should come as no surprise the MVP talk does nothing for him either. “I don’t pay too much attention to it. I’ve had 5,000-yard seasons and 40 touchdowns, and haven’t sniffed the Pro Bowl for it, so I don’t really care,” Stafford said. “I just go play for the guys in that locker room, that’s all that matters to me.”

4. With his fourth-quarter comebacks, particularly in the last three games, he has turned some doubters into believers. “I think in this business it has a lot to do with what you’ve done lately, and I understand that. That’s part of it, so just try to play as good as I can as often as I can,” Stafford said. Conversely, if the three-game winning streak ends he knows the doubters could return. “Seems to be the way it goes,” he added.

5. The team’s resiliency after a 1-3 start does not surprise him. “I’ve seen the work we’ve put in all offseason, really every week, going into each game. Tremendous amount of work, and trust and belief in each other,” Stafford said. “Not to say it’s been easy, it’s been difficult at times. But, we’ve got good leadership starting from the head coach, all the way down through the players, so it’s been good.”