ALLEN PARK, Mich. - Matthew Stafford says he's preparing to start for the Detroit Lions.
The first pick overall in the NFL draft said Wednesday he would have that mindset even if he was a third-string quarterback behind Daunte Culpepper and Drew Stanton.
Detroit coach Jim Schwartz has said that the best players, who are also ready physically and mentally, will be on the field next season.
Stafford has shown during a mandatory minicamp why the Lions took the Georgia quarterback, displaying touch on long passes, pinpoint accuracy on shorter routes and leadership.
Culpepper says he hasn't felt as good as he does since 2004, when he threw 39 touchdowns for the Minnesota Vikings.
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