Would Starting Matthew Stafford Be a Good Choice?

There have been debates on starting Matthew Stafford right away, four to six games into the season or have him sit on the bench for a year. Much of these debates are the result of the success that both Joe Flacco and Matt Ryan last year both leading their respective teams, the Baltimore Ravens and the Atlanta Falcons, to the playoffs last year. While that may fuel the fire to play Stafford right now, both Flacco and Ryan had the benefit of very strong offensive lines and established running backs.  Neither Flacco nor Ryan had to put the game on their shoulders to carry their teams.  Baltimore relied on their top-rated defense while Atlanta saw a break-out year from Michael Turner who gained 1,699 yards, second only to Adrian Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings. In reality, if Matthew Stafford is named the starter for the 2009 season, I suspect the Lions would win no more than three to five games.  But then again, many experts, both professional and amateur, have figured...