Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Lions QB Matthew Stafford Is King of the League in Deep Pass Percentage
When the Lions hired offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell, most assumed he would bring a run-heavy attack.
An underrated aspect of Bevell's offenses, though, has always been how frequently he's had his quarterbacks take shots deep.
It's been no different with Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford this year.
Going into Week 9, Stafford has targeted receivers 20-plus yards down the field at a higher rate than any other quarterback in the NFL.
The 11th-year signal caller is on pace to set a career high for average depth of target.
In fact, 11.4 percent of Stafford's throws have gone 20-plus yards down the field.
And he has accumulated the third-most yards in the NFL -- 680 yards -- from those 20-plus air yard throws.
His 20 "deep pass" completions are currently tied for second-most in the league.
Seattle Seahawks QB Russell Wilson is the only quarterback with more (22), and Wilson has played in one more game than Stafford.
In terms of touchdowns, Stafford has five touchdowns from taking those deep shots -- tied for fourth-most in the league.
Unfortunately, with the highly aggressive nature of the offense, you've got to take the good with the bad.
All four of Stafford's interceptions this season have come when Stafford is targeting a receiver deep.
Essentially, those throws act as punts.
However, three of Stafford's interceptions have been on first downs while the other INT came on a second-down play.
Due to the interceptions, Stafford's deep-ball passer rating is only 88.2 -- good for just 16th in the league.
It's great, though, to finally see Stafford's arm strength being put to good use.
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