Earlier in the week, former NFL player and current NFL Network analyst made some headlines as he compared Lions QB Matthew Stafford to Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton. Both of whom went first overall in the NFL Draft.
It’s was clear when Evans was comparing the two QB’s that he wasn’t a fan of the Stafford which is fine.
However Evans’ assault on Lions’ organization didn’t stop at Matthew Stafford, he believed that the Lions would be the team most likely to be exposed in Week 1.
“I think we’re a little ahead of the curve on the this (Jim) Schwartz / Matthew Stafford game plan,” Evans said. “Listen, they’re 0-2 in their two starts together. Stafford has zero touchdowns and three picks in those first two weeks.
Interestingly enough Evans is comparing Stafford’s first ever NFL start in 2009 in which he went 16-37 with no touchdowns and three interceptions against the New Orleans Saints, Evans’ former team. Now those are numbers that would be bad if you were a seasoned NFL veteran however Stafford wasn’t and those numbers are very common for a player making his first ever start in the NFL. In his second season opener Stafford was 11-15 for 83 yards before being flattened by Bears DE Julius Peppers, a hit that essentially took Stafford out for the rest of the season. Despite that though the 11-15 wasn’t all that bad given the time of the game.
Evans also states Tampa’s blossoming young defense as another reason why the Lions could be exposed on Sunday…
“Tampa Bay is a defense that went from 20-something in ’09 to ninth last year in points allowed,” Evans said. “This defense is on the verge of exploding. I believe this team is going to continue to roll.”
Yeah Evans is entertaining to watch and listen to but it’s not like he’s Peter King or Mike Florio, he’s a former NFL player that’s clearly biased (given that he is an Auburn alum) and anything he says has to be taken with a serious grain of salt.
Source: NFL Network, Mlive.com