Detroit Lions

Matthew Stafford feeling good as 2015 regular season nears

Published Aug. 31, 2015 9:03 a.m. ET

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Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford has been on fire so far this preseason. Through three games, he has completed 76 percent of his pass attempts and has not turned the ball over once. His efficient play has yielded a passer rating of 156.3, according to Josh Katzenstein of The Detroit News.

"It sure feels a whole lot better than coming out and playing bad and throwing three picks and no touchdowns," Stafford said, per The Detroit News. "I'd rather have the three touchdowns and no picks going into the season. It's a good feeling. It's something to build on, (but) we still have guys that we need to (get) back in the mix."

What's most impressive is the fact that Stafford, 27, has played so well without two of his best offensive weapons. Starting running back Joique Bell is still on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, and All-Pro wide receiver Calvin Johnson is saving his body for the regular season.

The Detroit News notes this preseason as Stafford's finest since 2011. That season, he went on to throw for 5,038 yards and 41 touchdowns -- both career-high marks.

(h/t The Detroit News)