Unfortunately, because unlike the exaggerations by other sports, the media really DOES rule our sport, he could get Offensive Player of the Year based on sheer hype, rather than on his accomplishments.
HOWEVER...he showed great improvement last year, you're right. The Auburn game was proof of what can happen when Stafford is patient with the ball, knows that he can throw it away on second down and therefore doesn't launch any picks. And he's got a lazer-beam, rocket arm. And he's incredibly mature for a kid his age, in terms of leadership ability. All you need is the footage of the final drive against Tech to see that.
Plus the kid can run the Veer.
Plus he's not afraid to hand off or check down.
Plus he's got Joe Cox behind him, and if the two touchdown drives he led against Colorado aren't enough to convince you of HIS leadership abilities and quarterbacking potential, nothing will. This year won't be like DJ having JoeT to back him up against Florida in 2005. If -- God forbid, but it happened to JoeT against SCarolina last year and against Arkansas for DJ in '05 -- Stafford goes down, we have a serious blue-chipper behind him. And you ALWAYS perform better when there's a guy behind you who wants your job, and who COULD take it.
Stafford will be fine. IF his O-line holds up...and IF the defense can make some stops...and IF his tailbacking platoon gains yardage...oh, dear...now I'm starting to worry...
Red and Black, Win or Lose