It isn't always fair to compare athletes, even if they play the same position in the same league and in the same division.
But like it or not, for 10 years in the NFC North, that natural comparison has come down to the two mainstays at quarterback: the Detroit Lions' Matthew Stafford and the Green Bay Packers' Aaron Rodgers.
Certainly, Lions fans would love Stafford to emulate the success that has led Rodgers to winning a Super Bowl and being a two-time NFL MVP.
But after Rodgers called out some of his young receivers for "piss poor" play Tuesday, it's fair to wonder whether Lions fans might also want to see the normally easygoing Stafford mimic some of Rodgers' fiery attitude.
Rodgers' disgust was evident during Tuesday's practice. While running the scout-team offense _ which gets its plays diagrammed on a card in the huddle _ Rodgers saw all his receivers out of position yet again. In frustration, he threw a pass toward tackling dummies on the sidelines, a less-than-subtle metaphor.
"It was one of the worst card sessions we've had," Rodgers told reporters in Green Bay. "I don't know how you can make it any simpler. You literally have what the play would be in our terminology on the card, and the effort level was very low."
Rodgers praised three specific receivers. But otherwise, he said it wasn't a good start for the young, scout-team receivers two days before the exhibition opener against the Tennessee Titans.
"Everybody else," he said, "was kind of piss poor."
I don't remember Stafford ever publicly calling out a group of players or one specific player, even Titus Young during his struggles.
This raises an interesting question: Should Stafford be openly tougher on his teammates? Does he lack the competitive fire that drives players like Rodgers and the New England Patriots' Tom Brady, who is even more emotional than Rodgers?
It isn't always fair to compare athletes, even at the same position. The same temperament doesn't necessarily work for two different people.
A little more fire from Stafford would be a good thing. When there's an obvious problem, he has enough standing on the team to speak publicly when necessary.
On the balance, Stafford has it right. He tries to stay above any criticism leveled at him, and he doesn't publicly snipe at teammates who aren't performing at a high level.
But a little more fire wouldn't hurt.
