Stafford vs. Sanchez: Did The Lions Make A Mistake?

For those of you that don’t know, Matthew Stafford was selected first overall by the Detroit Lions in this year’s draft; Mark Sanchez was taken 6th overall by the New York Jets (moving up 11 spots to select him). One crucial reason that the Lions opted to go with Stafford was that Sanchez was relatively inexperienced, with only one full college season under his belt. These two young quarterbacks are impressing so far this season, and they appear to have the potential to keep up this success, so I would like to table a debate for Grid-X readers: who will have more success as their respective careers continue to progress?

As pick number one, Stafford will get the honors of being evaluated first. Stafford had a very impressive college career; his only weaknesses were occasional lapses in judgement and needing to improve his accuracy. At the pro level Stafford seems to be developing more with each start, however I’m hard pressed to say that he has been fantastic. He seems to be progressing rapidly and looks quite poised in the pocket, with only a small dose of happy feet. He is gaining a firmer grip on a talented but not yet cohesive offense. As long as Stafford’s injury doesn’t severely affect him, expect him to develop at a progressive rate and have a flourishing career.

It was tough for Mark Sanchez to even get onto the field in college, having to sit on the bench and watch John David Booty lead USC. Fortunately, Sanchez got his opportunity and took advantage of a year’s playing time during the 2008-09 campaign, where he threw for 34 touchdowns with a 65.8 completion percentage. Chapter 1 of this NFL career has gone marvellous for Sanchez, leading the Jets to a 3-1 record, while winning the “NFL’s Rookie of the Month” in the process.  Sanchez is a natural athlete and displays his talent every game. The chatter surrounding Matt Stafford is his arm strength, but I believe Sanchez has a superb arm that is vastly underrated. The biggest variable may be that Sanchez is clearly surrounded by a much stronger team that will aid and accelerate his development. At this rate expect big things for this young man.

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Growing up we’re taught that it’s not nice to judge people. But in the world of the NFL, reality rules. So with no further adieu, here is my pick.

I can’t speak for all of the Gridiron Experts crew, but I believe that the Detroit Lions made the right pick. At first glance Sanchez may seem to have what it takes to outshine Stafford in the pros, but upon closer analysis it just isn’t true. Stafford is playing with a much less developed team than Sanchez is. The Lions are off a 0-16 year that was completely revamped in the off season. Yes, Stafford’s stats are tainted at the moment, due to a horrendous first game, but his line since then shows great improvement: 689 yards, 3 TDs, 3 INTs and a 61.7 completion percentage.

The Jets have an amazing offensive line. Sanchez is playing great but is not the only reason why the New York Jets are 3-1; the defence has been not talked about enough, which shut down Tom Brady and the Patriots in week 2.  I have all of the faith in this young man and truly believe he will prove to the Lions and the fans in the Lions den that they made the right decision in the long run.  What do you think?