Lions warned Stafford another pick would lead to benching, then followed through

Matthew Stafford heard Jim Caldwell's warning, then saw that his head coach meant business.

Stafford was benched in favor of Dan Orlovsky during Sunday's loss to the Arizona Cardinals after throwing three interceptions.

At one point in the game, Caldwell warned Stafford that if he threw another interception, he would be benched.

Stafford did, so Caldwell benched him.

Stafford's benching will be temporary. There's no chance the Lions don't go back to their franchise passer next week, especially considering the infamous history of their backup.

But Caldwell's warning could be a sign that things are starting to come apart at the seams in Detroit - especially if the team keeps turning the ball over.