Detroit – Matthew Stafford's toes twinkle. He takes the snap and dances back. A dropback for most quarterbacks – a retreat for the quarterback of the Lions. Sometimes he slips in mincing steps to the side. And here comes the pass rush.
He throws. Too often he throws in desperation. Too often the throw is wild, too hasty. And too often the pass-rushing defenders pounce on him. Sometimes they gouge him. Too often they pummel him. It is a jungle.
He has been sacked 22 times this season, a pace equal to the 45 times he got plowed into the turf last year.