Matthew Stafford: Like Romo, Stafford is looking better in part because he's getting more help from his defensive teammates. Unlike Romo, Stafford has not been playing well the last two weeks. The Lions' offense has essentially scored 17 points in the last two games combined. (The defense set up or scored the rest.) Stafford did not do much on either touchdown drive other than hand the ball off and throw short passes. His best plays are often screens. Drops and shakier protection have hurt Stafford, but we can't put this all on the lack of Calvin Johnson. Stafford has missed throws and is not playing aggressively. He's admitted that he's struggling to "cut it loose" in coordinator Joe Lombardi's new offense. It's very strange to see Stafford play such a "game manager" role. He's not playing terribly, but doesn't currently belong among the league's best.