"Matthew Stafford, the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft, will start at quarterback in the Lions' season opener Sunday at New Orleans.

Coach Jim Schwartz made the announcement to the team and media today at Lions headquarters. Stafford beat out rejuvenated veteran Daunte Culpepper for the job.

Stafford threw an interception in each of the Lions' four exhibitions. Culpepper did not throw an interception in any of the three exhibitions in which he played.

But Stafford made more big plays, showed off his strong arm and proved to the coaches he had command of the offense.

While saying Culpepper was back to his old form and would start again in the NFL, Schwartz made it clear he was willing to ride the rapids with the rookie this season.

Schwartz said this was not an internship or apprenticeship. He said this was not just about developing Stafford.

"My job in that locker room is not to worry about the future," Schwartz said. "My job is to give us the best chance to win this week. In this case, I think both purposes are served.""