Detroit's Stafford bucks NFL history by winning quickly

Not to put any pressure on Detroit quarterback Matthew Stafford, but NFL history suggests he has a 40 percent chance of becoming a Hall of Famer.

When Stafford trotted out to take the Lions' first snap in Week 1 at New Orleans, he became the 11th quarterback since the NFL-AFL merger to start his first game after being the first overall pick in the draft.

That short list includes Canton enshrinees Terry Bradshaw, John Elway and Troy Aikman, as well as a future Hall of Famer in Peyton Manning.

While it seems a little early to chuck the 21-year-old Stafford's name into their midst - the down payment to move into their neighborhood appears to be a Super Bowl ring or four - the Dallas native has jumped off to a better professional start than those immortals.

• Bradshaw was yanked in the third quarter of his debut against the Houston Oilers after hitting 4 of 16 passes with 1 interception. He didn't win his first start until his fourth game.

• Elway had to leave his debut with an elbow injury, perhaps due to the fact the Pittsburgh Steelers sacked him four times and harassed into a 1-for-8 day with an interception. Backup Steve DeBerg rallied the Broncos to victory.

• Aikman's Cowboys were shut out in his debut (which featured 2 picks and 2 sacks). He didn't earn his first victory until his second season.

• Manning, who hasn't missed a start since he hit the league in 1998, didn't win until his fifth game. He threw 3 interceptions in his debut, including one returned by Miami's Terrell Buckley for a clinching TD.

By these standards, Stafford deserves Hall of Fame hosannas for helping the Lions end their 19-game losing streak in just his third career start.

He completed 21 of 36 passes for 241 yards, 1 touchdown and no interceptions in last week's 19-14 home win over Washington.

"I feel like I have played pretty well," Stafford said. "Obviously, I made some mistakes here and there that have cost us, but this last game I felt really comfortable and feel like we are moving in the right direction."

Stafford posted 5 interceptions and just 1 touchdown in his first two games, so that reversal of misfortune pleased new Lions coach Jim Schwartz as much as the win.

"We had no turnovers in the game, which is a big part of it," Schwartz said. "But he remained aggressive. There is a difference between playing conservative and playing not to make a mistake and playing smart football. I think Matt did a good job there.

"Matt had five passes over 20 yards (and) he had a scramble for over 20 yards, so we are still making plays but are also protecting the ball."

Judging by Stafford's 103 pass attempts in Detroit's first 3 games, offensive coordinator Scott Linehan hasn't been afraid to put his prodigy to the test.

Bears fans freaked out when Jay Cutler led a 98-yard touchdown drive during the preseason at Denver, but Stafford led three 85-yard-plus scoring drives against Washington - including a 99-yard march to open the scoring.

"They are giving me a bunch (of the playbook)," Stafford said. "Obviously, I haven't been in a situation to tell if they have been spoon-feeding me or not, but we have a lot going into every game and I feel like we are executing it pretty well."