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Sports

Lions QB Stafford struggling in season that hasn't shaken out the way he or anyone envisioned

Associated Press
Published | Updated
  • Lions Cardinals Football
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    Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) is pressured by Arizona Cardinals defensive end David Carter (79) during the first half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) (The Associated Press)

  • 763d69a3-Lions Cardinals Football
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    Detroit Lions' Matthew Stafford (9) gets off a pass as Arizona Cardinals' Sam Acho (94) applies pressure during the second half in an NFL football game on Sunday Dec. 16, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals defeated the Lions 38-10. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) (The Associated Press)

ALLEN PARK, Mich. – Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford refuses to blame his lackluster season on a depleted surrounding cast.

Stafford ranks 24th among quarterbacks after being among the best last year. He has thrown 17 touchdowns and 15 interceptions, a season after breaking out with 41 TDs and 16 interceptions.

The fourth-year pro expected to pick apart defenses by throwing to Calvin Johnson, Nate Burleson, Titus Young and Ryan Broyles. If none of those receivers was open, he looked forward to connecting with Brandon Pettigrew and Tony Scheffler. If the tight ends were covered, tossing a short pass to speedy running back Jahvid Best seemed a good option.

Not so much.

Stafford might have only two of the aforementioned targets Saturday night against Atlanta.

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