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Lions | Four return to practice Tuesday Tue Oct 27, 03:53 PM
Nicholas J. Cotsonika, of the Detroit Free Press, reports Detroit Lions WR Daunte Culpepper (knee), FS Ko Simpson (hamstring), DL Dewayne White (hamstring) and DL Sammie Hill (ankle) all returned to practice Tuesday, Oct. 27.
Link to storyDaunte Culpepper player page
Dewayne White player page
Ko Simpson player page
Lions | Stafford says season isn't in jeopardy Mon Oct 19, 07:21 PM
Nicholas J. Cotsonika, of the Detroit Free Press, reports that Lions QB Matthew Stafford said no one has told him his season is in jeopardy because of possible surgery on his injured knee. "That's nothing that anybody's telling me, for sure," Stafford said. "Where these rumors come from is beyond me. ... I just don't know where any of this is coming from --- where I'm supposed to be and who I'm meeting with an all that. That's just all false."
| Our view: On the other hand, head coach Jim Schwartz wouldn't commit to Stafford returning to practice next week, or the week after, or the week after that. Stafford apparently had swelling after he tried to practice last Wednesday. Drew Stanton is a good pre-emptive pickup in start 2 QB leagues right now. |
Daunte Culpepper player page
Drew Stanton player page
Matthew Stafford player page
Lions | Culpepper benched during Week 6 Sun Oct 18, 03:18 PM
Detroit Lions QB Daunte Culpepper, who hit six of 14 passes for 48 yards with an interception, has been benched in favor of QB Drew Stanton against the Green Bay Packers.
Link to storyDaunte Culpepper player page
Drew Stanton player page
Lions | Stafford to be game-time decision for Week 6 Sat Oct 17, 12:01 PM
George Sipple, of the Detroit Free Press, reports Detroit Lions QB Matthew Stafford (knee) will be a game-time decision for Week 6, according to head coach Jim Schwartz. 'We'll lean on our injury report and then we'll make a decision Sunday morning of what we're going to do. I actually will announce our decision Sunday morning.' QB Daunte Culpepper will start if Stafford is unable to play.
Link to storyDaunte Culpepper player page
Matthew Stafford player page
Lions | Schwartz says Stafford remains starting quarterback Tue Oct 13, 12:05 PM
Nicholas J. Cotsonika, of the Detroit Free Press, reports Detroit Lions head coach Jim Schwartz reiterated Monday, Oct. 12, that QB Matthew Stafford (knee) remains the team's starting quarterback. However, Stafford's status for Week 6 remains uncertain with a knee injury. Schwartz said the team would see how much Stafford practices and how his knee progresses throughout the week. Stafford does not necessarily need to be 100 percent, but must be mobile enough to escape trouble and protect himself. If he can't play, QB Daunte Culpepper would start.
Link to storyDaunte Culpepper player page
Matthew Stafford player page
Lions | Culpepper will start Week 5 Sun Oct 11, 11:41 AM
Updating previous reports, Kara Henderson, of the NFL Network, reports Detroit Lions QB Daunte Culpepper will start Week 5 in place of QB Matthew Stafford (knee).
Daunte Culpepper player pageMatthew Stafford player page
Lions | Linehan will not call plays differently if Culpepper starts Fri Oct 9, 10:11 AM
Tim Twentyman, of The Detroit News, reports Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Scott Linehan said he will not necessarily change his play calling if QB Daunte Culpepper starts in Week 5. Linehan said he would call more plays Culpepper were comfortable with during the game.
| Our view: Culpepper is a savvy veteran, so there's no need to limit the playbook if gets to start this week against the Steelers. The Lions should be forced to abandon the running game early against a tough Pittsburgh D, and that means more opportunity for CPepp and the rest of the passing game. |
Daunte Culpepper player page
Lions | Linehan will not call plays differently if Culpepper starts Fri Oct 9, 10:11 AM
Tim Twentyman, of The Detroit News, reports Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Scott Linehan said he will not necessarily change his play calling if QB Daunte Culpepper starts in Week 5. Linehan said he would call more plays Culpepper was comfortable with during the game.
Daunte Culpepper player page Lions | Culpepper expected to start Week 5 Thu Oct 8, 05:12 PM
Nicholas J. Cotsonika, of the Detroit Free Press, reports Detroit Lions QB Daunte Culpepper is expected to start in Week 5. Culpepper may not throw many down the field passes during the game based on his preseason performances.
Link to storyDaunte Culpepper player page
Lions | Culpepper works with first team Wednesday Wed Oct 7, 03:20 PM
ESPN.com reports Detroit Lions QB Daunte Culpepper worked with the first-team offense during practice Wednesday, Oct. 7.
| Our view: Culpepper is one of the best backup quarterbacks in the league, and should have no problem leading this Lions offense while Matthew Stafford is out. |
Daunte Culpepper player page
Lions | Clayton: Look for Stafford to sit on Sunday Tue Oct 6, 06:56 PM
John Clayton, of ESPN.com, reports that he believed the Lions will rest QB Matthew Stafford even though his knee injury is not serious. His kneecap popped in and out of place, and that is an injury he also suffered in high school "horsing around" with his friends. Clayton thinks the Lions will use Daunte Culpepper for the next two games and bring back Stafford after their week 7 bye.
| Our view: Calvin Johnson and Kevin Smith's value take little, if any hit when Stafford misses time because Culpepper is one of the most capable backup QBs in the league. |
Daunte Culpepper player page
Matthew Stafford player page
Lions | Stafford injures knee Week 4 Sun Oct 4, 07:05 PM
The Associated Press reports Detroit Lions QB Matthew Stafford (knee) twisted his right knee during the team's Week 4 game. QB Daunte Culpepper replaced Stafford, who will undergo more tests in Detroit.
Link to storyDaunte Culpepper player page
Matthew Stafford player page
Lions | Culpepper in at quarterback Sun Oct 4, 03:57 PM
Detroit Lions QB Daunte Culpepper has replaced QB Matthew Stafford (knee) in the starting lineup against the Chicago Bears.
Link to storyDaunte Culpepper player page
Matthew Stafford player page
Lions | Culpepper supports quarterback decision Wed Sep 9, 09:13 AM
Carlos Monarrez, of the Detroit Free Press, reports Detroit Lions QB Daunte Culpepper issued a statement Tuesday, Sept. 8, in support of head coach Jim Schwartz's decision to start QB Matthew Stafford. 'My position is that if you want to be the best you have to beat the best,' Culpepper said in the statement. 'Coach Schwartz gave me a fair opportunity to compete for the starting job and now the decision has been made that Matt is the best quarterback in Detroit. I support the decision and I am ready to settle into my role. Matt is a great guy and a talented young quarterback. I am confident that he will lead this team to plenty of victories in Detroit for a long time to come. I look forward to helping Matt in that mission in any way that I can this year.'
| Our view: Culpepper is being classy in the media, projecting himself as a good teammate, which could help him as he is likely to be looking for work next year. |
Daunte Culpepper player page
Lions | Locker room somber following Stafford announcement? Tue Sep 8, 01:25 PM
Tom Kowalski, of Mlive.com, reports there was a bittersweet feeling in the Detroit Lions' locker room following the team's decision to start QB Matthew Stafford in Week 1. Although players recognize Stafford's talent and potential, the veterans have grown fond of QB Daunte Culpepper and respect the strides he made throughout the offseason. The veterans felt bad for Culpepper that he did not win the starting job.
| Our view: Culpepper proved that he can still play at a fairly high level in this league, but now will have to wait for another opportunity. Stafford will have a long leash, but if the rookie struggles we could hear some rumblings from within the lockerroom fairly quickly. |
Daunte Culpepper player page
Matthew Stafford player page
Lions | Schwartz: Stafford as starter is not 'experiment' Mon Sep 7, 07:41 PM
Tom Kowalski, of Mlive.com, reports that Lions head coach Jim Schwartz said QB Matthew Stafford is secure as the starter. "This isn't an internship or an experiment," Schwartz said.
| Our view: We commend Schwartz's full vote of confidence in Stafford, because it will likely get ugly against early opponents like Pittsburgh and Minnesota. |
Daunte Culpepper player page
Matthew Stafford player page
Lions | Fair performance from Stafford could clinch starting job Thu Sep 3, 07:44 PM
Brian VanOchten, of the Grand Rapids Press, believes that a fair performance from QB Matthew Stafford will clinch the Lions starting QB job. His competitor, Daunte Culpepper, is sidelined after having to get eight stitches in foot. VanOchten thinks it would be a "huge upset" if Stafford doesn't win the job.
| Our view: The Lions early schedule includes Chicago, Minnesota, Pittsburgh, Washington, and two of the hottest preseason defenses, Green Bay and New Orleans. Stafford will certainly make his share of rookie mistakes in those games, but starting from week 1 on could make the Lions offense more viable by the second half of the season. Calvin Johnson owners could also benefit from Stafford's big arm being in for all 16 games. |
Daunte Culpepper player page
Matthew Stafford player page
Lions | Culpepper will not play Thursday Thu Sep 3, 04:59 PM
John Niyo, of the Detroit News, reports Detroit Lions QB Daunte Culpepper will not play in the team's preseason finale Thursday, Sept. 3.
| Our view: Matthew Stafford will get to start in the preseason finale, and is expected to play around 25 plays. After that, the Lions will plug in Brooks Bollinger. We may also see the debut of Kevin O'Connell in a Lions uniform, but not until the fourth quarter. |
Daunte Culpepper player page
Lions | Stafford more aggressive than Culpepper Wed Sep 2, 07:21 PM
Tom Kowalski, of mlive.com, reports that Lions QB Matthew Stafford is more aggressive than Daunte Culpepper, and that Stafford is "in love with his arm, and he wants to take it for a test drive whenever he can." Kowalski added, "I think you're going to see him going downfield to Calvin Johnson, even when a cornerback thinks that he has great coverage on him."
| Our view: We expected this kind of talk from the moment Stafford was drafted. He also looked for the huge gain when the play broke down at Georgia, and he has the best jumpball receiver in the league to go after his 60-yard bombs off of his back foot on the run. Johnson could put up Randy Moss-type numbers once Stafford is up to speed. |
Daunte Culpepper player page
Calvin Johnson player page
Matthew Stafford player page
Lions | Culpepper a game-time decision for Thursday Wed Sep 2, 03:13 PM
The Detroit Lions have announced QB Daunte Culpepper (toe) will be a game-time decision for the team's final preseason game Thursday, Sept. 3.
| Our view: The Lions could decide to give rookie Matthew Stafford some more playing time, and thus keep Culpepper healthy for the start of the regular season. |
Daunte Culpepper player page
Lions | Culpepper remains doubtful Wed Sep 2, 11:44 AM
Tom Kowalski, from MLive.com, reports while Detroit Lions head coach Jim Schwartz continues to leave open the possibility that Daunte Culpepper could play in tomorrow's preseason game against the Buffalo Bills, it's looking more and more unlikley. Culpepper was still experiencing soreness in his foot on Wednesday. Culpepper took eight stitches in one of his toes after an incident at his home on Saturday night.
| Our view: This means Matthew Stafford should see at least a quarter's worth of action in the Lions preseason finale. After Stafford, the newly signed Brooks Bollinger will come in, and near the end of the game we may see Kevin O'Connell, who the Lions picked up off waivers yesterday. |
Daunte Culpepper player page
Lions | Culpepper's status for Thursday uncertain Tue Sep 1, 06:35 PM
Nicholas J. Cotsonika, of the Detroit Free Press, reports Detroit Lions QB Daunte Culpepper's (toe) status for the team's final preseason game Thursday, Sept. 3, is uncertain.
Link to storyDaunte Culpepper player page
Lions | Culpepper misses practice Tuesday Tue Sep 1, 02:26 PM
Tim Twentyman, of The Detroit News, reports Detroit Lions QB Daunte Culpepper (toe) was absent from practice Tuesday, Sept. 1, because of soreness related to the eight stitches he received on a toe over the weekend. Head coach Jim Schwartz has not yet ruled Culpepper out of the team's preseason finale.
Link to storyDaunte Culpepper player page
Lions | Culpepper injures toe, status for Thursday uncertain Mon Aug 31, 03:35 PM
Tom Kowalski, of MLive.com, reports Detroit Lions QB Daunte Culpepper (toe) suffered a minor cut on his toe at this house Saturday, Aug. 29, and his status for the team's final preseason game Thursday, Sept. 3, is uncertain. Culpepper required stitches for the cut, but the injury is not considered serious.
| Our view: Culpepper did not practice today, and the team will decide later if he can play in the final preseason game. The veteran is battling number one overall pick Matthew Stafford for the starting job, and many felt that he was leading the competition. We shall see if this injury changes the outcome of this quarterback battle. |
Daunte Culpepper player page
Lions | Culpepper should get the starting nod Sun Aug 30, 07:55 PM
Ed Thompson, from Scout.com, reports that after Saturday's narrow 18-17 win over the Indianapolis Colts, the Detroit Lions should award the starter's job to Daunte Culpepper. The veteran got the start against the Colts on Sunday and completed 7 of 12 throws for 67 yards and a touchdown during first-half action. Meanwhile, rookie Matthew Stafford posted nice numbers as well, completing 13 of 19 for 160 yards. But he threw an interception and no touchdown passes during his stint.
| Our view: Culpepper has been "getting his roll on" and looking like the player he used to be when he played for the Vikings. He may get the starting nod to begin the season, but we feel that sometime around the Lions' week 7 bye week we'll see rookie Matthew Stafford take over. |
Daunte Culpepper player page
Matthew Stafford player page
Lions | Culpepper keeping himself alive in quarterback race Sat Aug 29, 07:22 PM
Detroit Lions head coach Jim Schwartz said QB Daunte Culpepper is 'doing a good job keeping himself alive' in the battle for the team's starting quarterback job. 'Obviously the weight loss has helped his game and it's got him back to being a quarterback again where he can avoid the rush and keep plays alive, and make plays downfield,' Schwartz said. He added that Culpepper has been solid and very, very consistent all the way back to when the team started their OTAs right through the preseason. Culpepper said he is feeling great. 'I honestly feel like I felt before I got hurt... finally. It has taken some years, but I do feel like I did before I got hurt. Hopefully I can continue to make plays like that when need be. It feels great,' Culpepper said of his health.
Daunte Culpepper player page Lions | Schwartz felt quarterbacks all played well Saturday Sat Aug 29, 07:22 PM
Detroit Lions head coach Jim Schwartz said he thought the team's quarterbacks - Daunte Culpepper, Matthew Stafford and Drew Stanton - all played well during the team's preseason game Saturday, Aug. 29. He felt the offense did a great job of controlling the football. He felt the offense stopped themselves at times during the game, as they had some personal fouls that derailed scoring drives.
Daunte Culpepper player pageDrew Stanton player page
Matthew Stafford player page
Lions | Culpepper throws touchdown Saturday Sat Aug 29, 04:29 PM
Detroit Lions QB Daunte Culpepper, who is competing with QB Matthew Stafford for the starting job, went 7-for-12 for 67 yards and one touchdown in the team's preseason game Saturday, Aug. 19.
| Our view: Matthew Stafford looked better than he did last week, but Culpepper is probably the better choice to start about the Lions brutal early season schedule. |
Daunte Culpepper player page
Lions | Culpepper to play into second quarter Fri Aug 28, 05:59 PM
Updating previous reports, Detroit Lions QB Daunte Culpepper will play sometime into the second quarter in the team's next preseason game. Rookie QB Matthew Stafford will then replace him.
Link to storyDaunte Culpepper player page
Matthew Stafford player page
Lions | Culpepper to start Saturday Fri Aug 28, 11:27 AM
Tom Kowalski, of MLive.com, reports Detroit Lions head coach Jim Schwartz said Daunte Culpepper will start the team's preseason game Saturday, Aug. 29.
| Our view: Schwartz quickly commented that it no way reflected what could happen at the start of the regular season. CPepp is to play a quarter and a half, followed by rookie Matthew Stafford who will play a quarter and a half. The team wants to give both quarterbacks some time with the first-team offense, including WR Calvin Johnson who will play in the preseason for the first time this year. |
Daunte Culpepper player page
Lions | Schwartz has not named starting QB for Saturday Fri Aug 28, 10:13 AM
John Niyo, of the Detroit News, reports Detroit Lions head coach Jim Schwartz would not say if QB Daunte Culpepper or Matthew Stafford will start in the team's preseason game Saturday, Aug. 29, but said both will receive an equal amount of playing time and likely will see time with the starting receivers.
| Our view: Matthew Stafford has looked like a rookie at times, but he's made plays that clearly show off his amazing ability. We expect Culpepper to be named the starter for the beginning of the season. However, when the Lions get to their week 7 bye week we could see the rookie finally get his shot - if it even takes that long. |
Daunte Culpepper player page
Matthew Stafford player page
Lions | Culpepper the starting quarterback? Thu Aug 27, 12:23 PM
ESPN's John Clayton speculates Detroit Lions QB Daunte Culpepper will open the season as the team's starting quarterback.
| Our view: Matthew Stafford has made some rookie mistakes so far in the preseason, but he's made some plays that flash his big time ability. Culpepper is looking more and more like the Culpepper of old, and could start for nearly half the season. However, we feel that when the Lions get to their week 7 bye week Matthew Stafford will be ready to take over. |
Daunte Culpepper player page
Lions | Stafford's bad night didn't shock team GM Mon Aug 24, 07:41 PM
Nicholas J. Cotsonika, of the Detroit Free Press, reports that first overall pick Matthew Stafford's poor performance on Saturday, August 22 against the Cleveland Browns didn't surprise Lions GM Martin Mayhew. "He is a rookie, and he's a rookie no different than a seventh-round rookie," Mayhew said. "It's his first time going through some of these things. The reason why we took him that high is because we thought he could be a great player." Head coach Jim Schwartz hasn't indicated who the starting QB will be for the season opener, but Mayhew commented, "I acknowledged that some teams have played their young quarterback early, and they have had some success. That's one viewpoint. But there's another way of looking at it."
| Our view: Stafford looked a bit overwhelmed. Because Culpepper is looking slim and sharp, we see very little for the Lions to gain by throwing Stafford to the dogs right away. |
Daunte Culpepper player page
Matthew Stafford player page
Lions | Culpepper appears to be favorite to start season Sun Aug 23, 03:17 PM
ESPN's John Clayton reports it appears Detroit Lions QB Daunte Culpepper will enter the regular season as the team's starting quarterback.
| Our view: Matthew Stafford looked a bit overwhelmed in his first start against Cleveland, who aren't exactly the NFL's toughest defense. He'll get his shot to start at some point this year, but the Lions would be smart to take it slow with the #1 overall pick. |
Daunte Culpepper player page
Lions | Stafford to play the entire first quarter Fri Aug 21, 08:05 PM
Updating previous reports, Detroit Lions head coach Jim Schwartz said rookie QB Matthew Stafford will play into the second quarter during the team's preseason game against the Cleveland Browns. QB Daunte Culpepper will enter the game at that time to replace him.
Link to storyDaunte Culpepper player page
Matthew Stafford player page
Lions | Starting QB for Saturday still undecided Fri Aug 21, 09:07 AM
Carlos Monarrez and Nicholas J. Cotsonika, of the Detroit Free Press, reports Detroit Lions head coach Jim Schwartz said he has in mind who the starting quarterback will be for the team's preseason game Saturday, Aug. 22, but that he would not divulge it until after he informed the players. Schwartz said earlier in the week that QB Matthew Stafford would start with QB Daunte Culpepper taking over.
| Our view: Culpepper has had a good camp, but Stafford has looked remarkably comfortable for a rookie, so Culpepper might not be able to hold him off, no matter how well C-Pep plays this weekend. |
Daunte Culpepper player page
Matthew Stafford player page
Lions | Culpepper feeling like his old self again Sun Aug 16, 01:56 AM
The Associated Press reports Detroit Lions QB Daunte Culpepper, who started the team's first preseason game, was 5-of-6 passing for 41 yards. He did not throw any touchdowns or interceptions in the game. The new slimmed down Culpepper moved around well enough to show he is healthy. 'I feel like I've finally gotten back to the player I want to be,' Culpepper noted after the game. He scrambled three times for 12 yards during the game.
| Our view: Culpepper looked like a solid NFL QB. Even if Matthew Stafford beats him out to start in week 1, Culpepper should still have a decent NFL career ahead of him with this resurgence. |
Daunte Culpepper player page
Lions | Culpepper expected to play at least one quarter Saturday Sat Aug 15, 10:42 AM
Tom Kowalski, of Mlive.com, reports Detroit Lions QB Daunte Culpepper is expected to play into the second quarter in the team's preseason opener Saturday, Aug. 15.
Link to storyDaunte Culpepper player page
Lions | La Canfora: Stafford-Culpepper QB battle a "dead heat" Fri Aug 14, 07:01 PM
Jason La Canfora, of the NFL Network, reports that he has heard that Lions QBs Matthew Stafford and Daunte Culpepper have performed to a "dead heat" so far in training camp.
| Our view: Detroit joins San Francisco as one of the QB battles where both candidates are playing like starters, as opposed to battles like Tampa Bay and Cleveland, where the candidates are only playing like starters for brief flashes. |
Daunte Culpepper player page
Matthew Stafford player page
Lions | Culpepper to start Saturday, Stafford to start next week Fri Aug 14, 11:57 AM
John Niyo, of the Detroit News, reports Detroit Lions QB Daunte Culpepper will start in the team's preseason game Saturday, Aug. 15. QB Matthew Stafford will start the team's preseason game next week.
| Our view: This implies that the QB battle is very close. We have to assume that Stafford will continue to improve as the preseason goes on, and eventually win the job. |
Daunte Culpepper player page
Matthew Stafford player page
Lions | Schwartz not saying which QB will start first preseason game Thu Aug 13, 01:00 PM
Carlos Monarrez, of The Detroit Free Press, reports Detroit Lions head coach Jim Schwartz has made a decision on who will start the team's first preseason game, but he won't announce until later in the week if it will be Daunte Culpepper or rookie Matthew Stafford. Schwartz said he had not informed the quarterbacks of his decision yet, and he wasn't sure exactly when he was going to. Both quarterbacks have received praise from their teammates so far in training camp.
| Our view: This is a sign that Stafford is close to Culpepper. Unless he has a bad preseason (or Culpepper is just phenomenal), it's starting to look like Stafford will soon be the favorite to start in week 1. |
Daunte Culpepper player page
Matthew Stafford player page
Lions | Quarterbacks sharp in practice Mon Aug 3, 01:15 PM
Tom Kowalski, of Mlive.com, reports Detroit Lions QBs Daunte Culpepper, Matthew Stafford and Drew Stanton preformed very well during 7-on-7 drills in practice Monday, Aug. 3. In 18 snaps, the quarterbacks completed 13 passes and had just one ill-advised throw. Culpepper, Stafford and Stanton each attempted six passes in the session.
| Our view: Maybe it's just Kowalski's optimism, but this sounds like the only QB competition where both QBs are playing well. |
Daunte Culpepper player page
Drew Stanton player page
Matthew Stafford player page
Lions | Stafford, Culpepper looking sharp Sun Aug 2, 02:17 PM
Nicholas J. Cotsonika, of the Detroit Free Press, reports Detroit Lions QB Matthew Stafford and QB Daunte Culpepper appeared sharp during practice Sunday, Aug. 2. WR Calvin Johnson said they are both at the same level.
| Our view: This competition may be neck and neck at the end of the preseason if both players keep performing like this. Stafford has looked great up to this point but will have to prove what he's learned in the preseason. Culpepper may begin the season as the starter, but the team could replace him with Stafford before the end of the year. |
Daunte Culpepper player page
Matthew Stafford player page
Lions | Mayhew likes top two QBs on roster Sat Aug 1, 04:13 PM
Nicholas J. Cotsonika, of the Detroit Free Press, reports Detroit Lions general manager Marvin Mayhew said he likes QBs Daunte Culpepper and Matthew Stafford and believes they are two of the most talented quarterbacks the team has had in a while. 'I like our two quarterbacks,' Mayhew said. 'I think we have probably the two most talented --- physically talented --- quarterbacks we've had since we've been here, and I feel good about those guys.'
| Our view: There have been reports for a while that Mayhew really likes Culpepper and urged the team to sign him last year before the season. Matthew Stafford won't get to start just because he was the #1 overall pick. |
Daunte Culpepper player page
Matthew Stafford player page
Lions | Schwartz says QB competition wide open Wed Jul 29, 03:13 PM
Tom Kowalski, of MLive.com, reports Detroit Lions head coach Jim Schwartz said the quarterback competition heading into training camp is wide open.
| Our view: He said QBs Daunte Culpepper, Matthew Stafford and Drew Stanton will receive equal reps at the start of camp. Schwartz said there is no timetable to announce a starter, but would like to do it sometime around the final preseason game. He did not rule out making a decision earlier in camp. Even if Culpepper wins the job to start the season, the Lions could replace him after the bye week if they feel the season is lost. |
Daunte Culpepper player page
Drew Stanton player page
Matthew Stafford player page
Lions | Starting quarterback decision could come after second preseason game Wed Jul 29, 02:57 AM
Tom Kowalski, of MLive.com, reports the Detroit Lions could make an announcement on their starting quarterback as early as after their second preseason game. The Lions want to give the bulk of their snaps to their starting quarterback - either Daunte Culpepper or rookie Matthew Stafford - going into the third preseason game, as that is the time the team begins focusing on Week 1. It is possible the competition could be too close to call at that point, but the Lions want to limit their distractions entering the season.
Link to storyDaunte Culpepper player page
Matthew Stafford player page
Lions | Culpepper will receive most of money Tue Jul 28, 05:59 PM
Tom Kowalski, of MLive.com, reports Detroit Lions QB Daunte Culpepper will not receive the majority of his 2009 salary until the start of the regular season. When the regular season starts, Culpepper will receive a $1.25 million roster bonus and his $2.5 million salary.
Link to storyDaunte Culpepper player page
Lions | Stafford on fast track to start? Sun Jul 26, 11:49 AM
Tom Kowalski, of Mlive.com reports that "the reality is (Matthew) Stafford, the first overall pick in the draft, is on the fast track to become the Lions' starting quarterback when the season opens Sept. 13 in New Orleans. So far, Stafford has passed every test with flying colors and cleared every hurdle with plenty of room to spare." Kowalski writes that head coach Jim Schwartz told fans not to get too far ahead of themselves on Stafford because he is cautiously awaiting the results of Stafford's camp and preseason. Kowalski also reports that Schwartz has said that he "only would start Stafford if he met two criteria -- if he was ready and if he was the best."
| Our view: ESPN's John Clayton recently reported that it would take an "amazing" preseason from Stafford to win the starting job. Even though that report seems to conflict with Kowalski's, they're not too far apart. Kowalski (and the Lions organization) seem to be so impressed with Stafford that they think that amazing preseason has a good chance of happening. New head coach Jim Schwartz's comments seem to indicate that only a highly advanced performance from the rookie Stafford would win the job. In other words, the bar is set high for Stafford, but many think he'll reach it. If Daunte Culpepper emerges the winner, remember that he is reunited with Scott Linehan, the offensive coordinator for his best years in Minnesota. |
Daunte Culpepper player page
Matthew Stafford player page
Lions | Battle at quarterback about to begin Sat Jul 25, 03:24 AM
Skip Wood, of USA Today, reports Detroit Lions head coach Jim Schwartz said the Lions are going to have a competitive battle at quarterback between Daunte Culpepper and rookie Matthew Stafford.
| Our view: Culpepper may have put himself in a very good position because of his weight loss and offseason training program. CPepp is focused on being better than he's ever been, but it might not be enough to hold off the #1 overall pick of the 2009 NFL Draft Matthew Stafford. Nearly every report about Stafford in minicamp was positive, but we'll see if he can carry over that momentum into training camp. If Stafford has a good preseason he could easily start in week one of the regular season. If the Lions decide to go with Culpepper, he may be replaced after their week 7 bye, if the season is lost. |
Daunte Culpepper player page
Matthew Stafford player page
Lions | Stafford to start Week 1? Mon Jul 6, 12:12 PM
Tom Kowalski, of Mlive.com, reports the Detroit Lions are confident QB Matthew Stafford can step in and play at the start of the regular season. The team had been looking for a depth quarterback due to the lack of experience behind QB Daunte Culpepper. However, if Stafford is ready to play right away, that changes the role of a No. 3 quarterback because the team does not need an experienced player there. As a result, QB Drew Stanton will likely enter the season third on the depth chart.
| Our view: Kowalski thinks the #1 overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft will be ready to start the regular season opener - or soon after. This means Stanton will get nothing but garbage time reps in preseason as Stafford and Culpepper will get a majority of the snaps. Drew Stanton will have to make a big impression if he wants to come back next year as the backup to Stafford (CPepp on a one-year contract). |
Daunte Culpepper player page
Drew Stanton player page
Matthew Stafford player page
