For a lot of football coaches, Lions’ quarterback Matthew Stafford’s 10-for-12 passing performance on the final two drives Sunday -- including a game-winning touchdown pass to Kevin Smith -- would temper any criticism he might face for throwing three interceptions against the Rams.
Instead, Stafford’s first-half effort was the subject of a frank -- and unflattering -- critique from Lions’ coach Jim Schwartz on Monday.“[Stafford] just had a couple bad judgments trying to fit some balls in that he shouldn’t have tried to, including the very first [interception to Rams CB Janoris Jenkins],” Schwartz said. “We drove right down the field, got a little greedy on trying to throw the backside hip to (TE Tony) Scheffler. We should have thrown that [pass] away. A few of [Stafford’s throws] were just sort of 'pressing.'"
While Schwartz’s characterization of Stafford’s miscues was well deserved, he also maintained that the way Stafford was able to regain his form in time to engineer a comeback win was a sign of his growth as a player.
“The only way we were going to score those last two drives was for [Stafford] to fit some balls into some tight coverage,” Schwartz said. “When we were throwing that last couple series, he wasn’t all of a sudden conservative and taking checkdowns, and I think you’ve seen [conservative play after mistakes] from other quarterbacks in history, around the league. Matt wasn’t that way."
Injury updates: Lions' cornerback Bill Bentley sustained a concussion during the third quarter of Sunday’s win over the Rams. Schwartz confirmed Bentley’s diagnosis Monday and said the rookie would need to clear league safety protocols before returning to action.
Bentley’s uncertain status puts a greater emphasis on CB Chris Houston’s rehab progress. Houston hasn’t practiced since suffering a high-ankle sprain during the preseason. He was able to run on the field before Sunday’s game and told reporters Monday that he would attempt to practice Wednesday. Houston said it was disappointing to miss Detroit's season-opener, and that he wants to be on the field in San Francisco on Sunday for what he knows is an important early season test. "I'm pushing as hard as I can," he said. "I don't want to miss any games because I know I'm a big piece to the back end.”
Schwartz: WR Ryan Broyles was a healthy scratch vs. the Rams. Schwartz allayed concerns about Broyles’ health Monday after the 2012 second-round pick -- who is rehabbing a torn ACL he suffered last season in college -- was inactive for Sunday’s game. Schwartz said Broyles is healthy and that the decision not to activate him was based solely on Detroit’s game plan and matchups vs. the Rams.
“It wasn’t health [that led to Broyles being inactive], it was more just numbers," Schwartz said. “We wanted to keep a couple guys up at some other positions. I wouldn’t anticipate [Broyles’ exclusion from the lineup] being an every week thing.”
Follow Lions reporter John Kreger on Twitter at @CBSLions and @JohnKreger.