Green Bay Packers Five Downs: Offseason edition with the Side Lion Report

Dairyland Express: There was a recent poll presented by an alternate Lions site. The question at hand, was if you could pick between Aaron Rodgers and Matthew Stafford for one game, who would you choose. Who would you choose and why?

Side Lion Report: Originally, I was going to choose Aaron Rodgers. His pedigree and the accomplishments that he’s earned with the rest of his team, are well deserved. Rodgers is mobile, accurate, and smart. He is a Hall of Fame candidate. Rodgers is a Super Bowl champion. He has been ranked near the top of the NFL’s annual ‘Top 100’ rankings for multiple years, now. In terms of personal stat lines, almost every quarterback wishes that their’s read like his.

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I choose Matthew Stafford because he’s not had it easy. Stafford was drafted to an 0-16 team, by a 50-year owner, William Clay Ford, with no championships to his credit. Drafted by a general manager, Martin Mayhew, who has proven to be only slightly better than his predecessor, Matt Millen; Millen might be the worst GM in the history of the NFL, too.

Stafford has had less help than any elite quarterback in the NFL, and yet it is almost impossible to deny that he deserves that designation. Stafford has had one 1,000 yard rusher to Rodgers five. He’s had a better than average defense once, while Rodgers has enjoyed the luxury five times. Matthew Stafford hasn’t missed a game since 2010, while ole “Discount Double-check” has missed big chunks in two of the last five seasons. Stafford is like the city that he represents; he has had to fight for everything and nothing has been given to him.

Stafford has developed into one of the top ten quarterbacks despite mediocre talent blocking for him, underwhelming runners, and mostly forgettable receivers to throw to; Calvin Johnson, Marvin Jones, Jr., and Golden Tate comprise his best targets. Rodgers list is more recognizable: Greg Jennings, Donald Driver, Randall Cobb, Jordy Nelson, and Davante Adams, are all noteworthy talents.

No one would rather have running backs: Reggie Bush at the end of his good years, Kevin “24K” Smith, and Joique Bell over Ryan Grant, Eddie Lacy, and James Starks in their best years.

So, while Rodgers is a good pick for one game and no one would fault someone for picking him, I choose Stafford. Stafford is re-writing the yardage record book while completing over 65 percent of his passes. Stafford’s early penchant for throwing interceptions is gone, as he averages about only 10-12 per season. He’s also averaged almost 30 touchdowns while leading a one-dimensional attack that was seventh in scoring in 2017, while the run game was 32nd(last).

Simply put: Stafford gets more out of less. So, one game, one season, Stafford is my pick between the two, all other things being equal.