Stafford to Start 2nd Preseason Game

Detroit Lions coach, Jim Schwartz has said rookie quarterback, Matthew Stafford will start the second preseason game. Stafford is expected to play into the second quarter then give way to Daunte Culpepper who started the first game.

For now, don't read too much into this news. This decision in no way predicts who will start the first game of the regular season. Schwartz has all along said that he would give his quarterbacks equal chance before making a decision on his starter for the season. With Culpepper starting the first game, it is only right to let Stafford start the second game.

However, it is of utmost importance that Sometime during the next week, Schwartz needs to make his final decision. The third preseason game is usually the dress rehearsal for the starters in the NFL and whoever will be the starting quarterback needs to get more reps in to prepare for the real season. To continue having the two share reps in practice would only hinder the inevitable starter.

A lot of fans are high on Stafford after the first game but it is not rightfully so. Though Stafford did nothing to hurt his chances, he still did not really out play Culpepper. Daunte being the veteran, he should have to be out played by Stafford to lose the starting nod to the rookie. After a record breaking NFL worst season in 2008, Daunte's lack of mistakes would better suit the Lions 2009 season.

If Stafford truly out plays Culpepper in the 2nd game, then he should get the nod, but if Daunte is not out played, he should not be benched. It is as easy as this. If two quarterbacks play evenly, then go with the one who will make less mistakes.