ALLEN PARK -- The NFL's collective bargaining agreement prevents coaches and players from having official interaction during the offseason, so Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford was forced to do his own research in preparation for the team's transition to a new staff.

The Lions hired New Orleans quarterback coach Joe Lombardi to run the offense, and in his introductory press conference, the first-time coordinator said his scheme would be built around the Saints playbook.

Given that knowledge, Stafford spent time this offseason studying Saints game film.

"I have no idea what the terminology, that kind of stuff, is going to be, but I just looked at routes," Stafford said. "You can even watch it off TV tape, what they run. In the NFL, there are only so many routes. Everybody runs the same ones. ...just kind of try to get a beat on what guys like and practice those."

Stafford hasn't reached out to Saints quarterback Drew Brees this offseason, but didn't rule out the possibility in the future.

"Yeah, I could see that happening," Stafford said. "I'm not huge on going out and talking to guys, but he's a guy that's obviously had a lot of experience with coach Lombardi. If there are things I have questions on, I'm sure he'd be a great sounding board."

During this inaugural week of offseason workouts, the Lions have begun implementation of the offensive playbook. Coach Jim Caldwell says the biggest thing for Stafford will be learning the terminology.

"Really, there's probably not going to be too many routes he's not familiar with, as far as how they're applied." Caldwell said. "The only thing that changes the verbiage. It's almost like learning a foreign language."

Stafford called the process exciting.

"These guys have great track records," he said. "They've worked with some really great players, at the quarterback position specifically, and I'll be picking their brains as much they'll allow."

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