The divorce between Matthew Stafford and the Detroit Lions was a friendly gift that did not have the usual flaw that currently prevails at Carson Wentz and the Philadelphia Eagles, and, more relevantly for Stafford, between Jared Goff and the Los Angeles Rams. The latter is now moving in where Stafford once sat as the starting quarterback for the Lions, while Stafford unpacked for the Rams – one of a ‘few teams’ to which the Pro Bowl full-back is willing. According to rumors, the New England Patriots were one of the few he refused to play for, and many let Matt Patricia show up as the reason for that.
Stafford did not confirm or deny the rumor that he wanted nothing to do with Tom Brady’s former team, but he did try to leave the speculation about his relationship with Patricia – who will return to New England as assistant head coach in 2021 – to his departure coordinator to leave. roll vacant in 2018 to join the Lions as head coach. Patricia was fired halfway through the 2020 season after breaking a meager 13-29 record in Detroit.
Despite his shortcomings, Stafford says he has no bad will towards his former head coach.
“[Patricia] and I had a good relationship, no matter what anyone wants to say, ‘he said Detroit Free Press. ‘I could go to his office and talk to him. He could get me telephonically whenever he wanted. I think we both grew in that relationship.
“I have a lot of respect for him and who he is, as a football coach and an incredible mind.”
This indicates his alleged decision to stay away from the Patriots as rooted in his disbelief in their ability to be a rival in 2021, and not necessarily because of the fear of reuniting with Patricia.
“What’s accurate is – and it’s incredible [the Lions] “I asked to go to a team that was ready to win a championship,” Stafford added. And, you know, there were some teams on the list. There were some teams that were not on the list. And they were respectful of it and completely understood. I had thoughts and reasons for each of them. ‘
This is quite the sting for an organization so accustomed to winning, but also a reality check when looking at how far they have fallen in 2020 after Brady’s hugely successful decision to join the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. As head coach Bill Belichick works to return to victories, he needs to address his quarterback situation elsewhere in the free agency or in the 2021 draft concept.