Analyzing the opponent: Ranking NFC North Quarterback Groups

Jan 1, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Bradford (8) passes against the Chicago Bears in the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings win 38-10. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Bradford (8) passes against the Chicago Bears in the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings win 38-10. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
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January 7, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) reacts during a stoppage in play against the Seattle Seahawks during the second half in the NFC Wild Card playoff football game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
January 7, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) reacts during a stoppage in play against the Seattle Seahawks during the second half in the NFC Wild Card playoff football game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

2. Detroit Lions

Matthew Stafford, Jake Rudock, Brad Kaaya

The case around making the Lions number two is based solely on Matthew Stafford being the second-best quarterback in the division as of now. Stafford runs hot and cold, there is no way around it. However, he is a legitimate starter in the NFL, which is hard to find. Last season Matthew Stafford threw a career low ten interceptions and had the lowest interception rate of his career. It looks like he has hit a groove with new coordinator Jim Bob Cooter which is key. He has taken multiple teams to the playoffs and it would be hard to debate any other quarterback in this division being ranked higher.

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However, this becomes a close discussion thinking what would happen if he were to go down. Their current backup is a 2016 sixth rounder in Rudock. Rudock is what you would expect in a sixth round quarterback. The reason he was drafted is that he does not turn the ball over. However, in terms of arm strength and anticipatory throws, it is not quite there. Kaaya comes from a similar cloth. He is a game manager who has shaky arm strength and an ability to panic under pressure. However, he does have a quick release and could be the backup by season’s end.

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