Calvin Johnson has said that teammate Matthew Stafford is playing "exceptionally well" this season.

The Detroit Lions quarterback has 2,836 passing yards and 19 touchdown passes from the first nine games of the 2013 campaign.

The wide receiver told the team's website: "I've never had anything to say bad about Matt, never will probably. He is playing exceptionally well. It's fun for me to watch him, just how he throws the ball, how he's moving in the pocket, how he's just making plays, how he's making smart plays.

"Just to be at this point in my career and to be in the spot that we're at with the rest of the season ahead of us, it's really just what we do with it. Guys are ecstatic to be in this position, not just me. It's a feeling in the locker room and hopefully we take full advantage of it.

"This week we're playing a smart team. They haven't had the season I'm sure they've wanted to have right now, but they've got playmakers, we've got playmakers. At the same time, any given Sunday, you never know. If you don't bring your 'A' game, the other team will beat you."

The Lions, who currently lead the NFC North, face the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday.