Daunte Culpepper or Matthew Stafford?
June 25, 2009 by David Kindervater
Filed under Detroit Lions
It seemed like a no-brainer that veteran Daunte Culpepper would retain the starting quarterback position for the Detroit Lions this season. But with rookie number one Draft choice Matthew Stafford looking good during offseason minicamp workouts (which continue this week), it certainly isn’t a foregone conclusion. This job might be up for grabs.
Matthew Stafford and Daunte Culpepper, Detroit Lions / Image: Zuma Press
Obviously, the two players’ on-field performances will be the determining factor in who wins the starting spot. But with a contract that includes $41.7 million in guaranteed money, you can be sure Matthew won’t be on the bench for too long. I guess you could say the handwriting is on the check.
One thing is for sure. Lions owner William Clay Ford won’t be the one calling the shots when it comes to any potential quarterback controversy. Mr. Ford acknowledged he has the right people for that job:
“I do not, contrary to public opinion, interfere with the football side of it. I mean, if so-and-so plays lousy, I’ll say ‘I think he’s a bum.’ But, no, I’ve never said, ‘Play this guy or that guy’ or “Don’t play him.’ No, these guys know more about the game than I do by 10 miles. I’m not going to try to second-guess them. Now, if it goes wrong, we’ll talk about it.”
Source: MLive.com
