- Since pairing Detroit Lions QB Matthew Stafford with offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter, Stafford has blossomed into one of the most efficient target distributors in the league.
- In 2015 Stafford started his transformation by targeting three different players over 95 times each. This lead to Stafford completing 80-plus passes to each of them, a feat only accomplished three other times in NFL history.
- In 2016, after losing arguably the league’s best receiver in Calvin Johnson, Stafford adjusted by spreading the ball even more targeting four different players 85-plus times each and a fifth player 60-plus times. This resulted in 50-plus completions to five different players each. Stafford was the only QB in 2016 to accomplish this.
- Stafford’s new ball distribution strategy has led to career highs in adjusted completion percentage at 76.1 (ranked ninth) and passer rating under pressure at 78.2 (ranked seventh). He also received a career high grade from us in 2016 at 85.4, which ranked ninth in the NFL.
- It appears that both Anquan Boldin (18 percent threat rate) and Andre Roberts (17 percent) will not be with the team in 2017. Lions third-round WR Kenny Golladay and fourth-round TE Michael Roberts will get the first crack at filling their void.
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Matthew Stafford doesn't appear to have a favorite target

DETROIT, MI - NOVEMBER 20: Quarterback Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions looks down field against the Jacksonville Jaguars during first half action at Ford Field on November 20, 2016 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
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