Matthew Stafford News

Lions must put pieces around QB
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March 1
Detroit Free Press
 columnist Michael Rosenberg
"This week and last, the Lions and 31 other NFL teams are looking at prospects at the scouting combine in Indianapolis. They are evaluating every player's height, weight, speed, strength, intelligence, arm length, foot size, leg strength, leg flexibility, quickness, medical history, family medical history, voting history, blood type and vertical leap. They then will announce that you can't learn much from the combine and leave. The combine probably is the ultimate proof of America's addiction to the NFL. People usually cite draft mania in April as proof, but at least in the draft, something happens. Teams acquire players. Trades are struck. Franchises look very different after the draft ..."
Lions must set Matthew Stafford up to succeed
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February 28
Detroit Free Press
 
"This week and last, the Lions and 31 other NFL teams are looking at prospects at the scouting combine in Indianapolis. They are evaluating every player's height, weight, speed, strength, intelligence, arm length, foot size, leg strength, leg flexibility, quickness, medical history, family medical history, voting history, blood type and vertical leap. They then will announce that you can't learn much from the combine and leave. The combine probably is the ultimate proof of America's addiction to the NFL. People usually cite draft mania in April as proof, but at least in the draft, something happens. Teams acquire players. Trades are struck. Franchises look very different after the draft ..."
Stafford expects 'all clear' from Lions doctors
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February 9
Detroit Free Press
 
"Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford, who suffered an AC joint separation in his left shoulder Nov. 22 in a game against the Cleveland Browns, is on the mend. According to the Lions' Web site, Stafford has been rehabbing the shoulder - which did not require surgery - and said his right knee, injured Oct. 4 at Chicago, is feeling good, as well."
Jets' Mark Sanchez: Lions QB Matthew Stafford is 'only going to be a bright spot for Detroit'
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February 6
Detroit Free Press
 
"Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez won two playoff games as a rookie. Detroit Lions QB Matthew Stafford won only two games, period. But in many ways, they're still neck-and-neck. "I knew he was a competitor going into the season, all the stuff we did pre-draft," Sanchez said today while making the rounds at the Super Bowl XLIV media center. "We were competing like crazy against each other, trying to be the first quarterback taken and all that. "Just an unbelievable kid. I love seeing him do well, and he's only going to be a bright spot for Detroit. They've got a player there. They'll build around him and get things going." The quarterbacks had almost identical statistics during the regular ..."
Matthew Stafford chimes in on Lions' offseason needs
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February 5
Detroit News
 
"Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford is feeling good about his health. And feeling good about improving his team's outlook this spring, too. Stafford, making the rounds in south Florida as a celebrity spokesperson at Super Bowl XLIV, said his right knee "feels good" five-plus weeks after arthroscopic surgery "I'm just rehabbing it now, getting some strength back in it," he said. He'll be in Detroit on Monday to meet with the Lions' medical staff, then head to Birmingham, Ala., for a checkup with Dr. James Andrews, who performed the surgery Dec. 29. He said he'll start throwing again in a couple weeks back home in Dallas, and says he'll be ready to go when the Lions begin offseason workouts ..."
Lions QB Matthew Stafford says rehab going well
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February 4
Detroit Free Press
 
"Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford is scheduled to participate in athlete performance testing Friday. But don't worry. It's just a promotional appearance for Gatorade. All he'll be doing is riding a stationary bike. The right knee he had scoped in December is just fine. "I feel good," Stafford said Wednesday, relaxing in the green room before an ESPN interview amid the hoopla of Super Bowl XLIV. "I've been lifting on my leg, working it out." Stafford has been rehabbing in his hometown of Dallas with the same doctor who scoped his left knee in high school. "It's still in the rehab phase, but I'm moving around, doing a lot of stuff with it," Stafford said. "It's more strength now than ..."
Lions QB Matthew Stafford is a super celeb
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February 4
Detroit Free Press
 
""Which color am I?" Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford asked Wednesday morning while relaxing in the green room before an ESPN interview. "You're yellow." The marketing man was sitting across from Stafford holding a schedule of his clients' appearances. It was so crazy, it was color-coded to keep it all straight. Yellow was for Stafford, purple was for Archie Manning and blue was for Manning's son Eli. Red? That was for Joe Montana. Super Bowl week is about celebrities and sales as well as sports, and Stafford is working the circuit with the NFL's "A" list. He's promoting Axe Hair, Gatorade and Visa, popping up all over town with elite players from the past and present. "It's fun," ..."
Mariucci sees potential if Stafford gets support
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February 3
Detroit Free Press
 
"Quarterback was a major issue for Steve Mariucci from the time he was hired as Lions coach in 2003 to the time he was fired in '05. Now Mariucci is an analyst for NFL Network and says he likes Matthew Stafford, the No. 1 overall pick last year. Does he think the Lions finally have found their guy? "Well, it will depend," Mariucci said Tuesday at Super Bowl XLIV media day. "It will depend on how they surround him. He's got to have some continuity in his preparation, his scheme, his off-seasons, his training camps, his practice routine. It can't be changing coaches over there. ... It can't happen, or he's going to make progress and fall back, make progress and fall back.""
Barry Sanders: Matthew Stafford will rescue Lions
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February 2
Detroit News
 
"Barry Sanders qualifies as a football expert based on his Hall of Fame career with the Lions. But the superstar running back is as amazed as the common fan at the depths his former team sank to in the last decade. But Sanders can see the Lions climbing out of the NFL's basement -- with quarterback Matthew Stafford leading the way. Sanders, who is featured in a Miller Lite national charity campaign to raise money for the V Foundation's cancer-research program, evaluated the Lions' past and future in an interview Tuesday morning. The promotion is connected to Super Bowl XLIV Sunday between the Colts and Saints. The Lions completed their Lost Decade with a 2-14 record in 2009 under ..."
Just like Saints and Cards, Lions had to get a QB
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January 30
Detroit Free Press
 columnist Drew Sharp
"The most ambitious grocery bagger ever called it a career Friday. Kurt Warner walked away from the NFL, eternally appreciative of fate smiling down upon him. His roller coaster from obscurity to championship glory to the depths of competitive irrelevance to turning Arizona's joke of a professional team into an NFC champion might resemble an act of providence. But Warner's football trajectory proves again why the significance of the NFL quarterback is more design than destiny. The Arizona Cardinals won't be taken as seriously now in the aftermath of Warner's retirement, because despite all of the personnel moves made to amass strong offensive and defensive lines and playmaking cornerbacks, ..."
Just like Saints and Cards, Lions had to get a QB
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January 30
Detroit Free Press
 columnist Drew Sharp
"The most ambitious grocery bagger ever called it a career Friday. Kurt Warner walked away from the NFL, eternally appreciative of fate smiling down upon him. His roller coaster from obscurity to championship glory to the depths of competitive irrelevance to turning Arizona's joke of a professional team into an NFC champion might resemble an act of providence. But Warner's football trajectory proves again why the significance of the NFL quarterback is more design than destiny. The Arizona Cardinals won't be taken as seriously now in the aftermath of Warner's retirement, because despite all of the personnel moves made to amass strong offensive and defensive lines and playmaking cornerbacks, ..."
Lions must provide supporting cast for Matthew Stafford
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January 14
Detroit Free Press
 
"The Lions think they found their franchise quarterback in 2009. General manager Martin Mayhew called that "critical" and "one reason why we feel so positive going forward." But they know that's not enough as they enter the off-season. "If Matthew Stafford doesn't succeed and doesn't become a great quarterback in the NFL, some of that's on us, because he's got all the tools and stuff to be able to do that," Mayhew said. "It's on us to put good players around him. It's on us to coach him, to improve his play." The Lions think Stafford lived up to being the top pick in the draft, from his intelligence to his toughness to his skill. Stafford quickly picked up the offense and won the starting ..."
Matthew Stafford: Glad for experience
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January 13
Detroit Free Press
 
"Matthew Stafford says it was an eye-opening experience, starting as a rookie quarterback with the Lions. And it was all worth it. "Just watching myself on film from early in the season to late in the season is a big difference," Stafford said Monday on WJR's "The Mitch Albom Show." "Hopefully it will keep getting better and better." No regrets, despite the lumps he took to his body and the loss column? "Not one," Stafford said. "I'm really glad got a chance to start and play 10 games. I think it's invaluable experience you can't get sitting on the bench. ... I like to learn through mistakes rather than watching somebody else do it.""
Matthew Stafford will only be better next season
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January 13
Detroit News
 
"They bought the book last April, and based on what they've read so far, it matches the cover. But how important will Chapter 2 be in Matthew Stafford's development as an NFL quarterback? "Huge," said Scott Linehan, the Lions' offensive coordinator. "It's the most critical, I think." And as the Lions' coaching staff and front office spend this week critiquing the 2009 season, including the play of their $72 million rookie, there's no wavering on this count: They're convinced they made the right choice casting their lot with Stafford, last year's No. 1 overall draft pick, as their franchise cornerstone. "He made some big-time throws," coach Jim Schwartz said. "He tried to do too much at ..."
Lions say Matthew Stafford has successful knee surgery
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December 30
Detroit Free Press
 
"The Detroit Lions say quarterback Matthew Stafford has undergone successful surgery on his right knee in Birmingham, Ala. Everything went as expected, according to team spokesman Bill Keenist. Stafford had what the Lions called the minor surgery today. He was placed on injured reserve last week after a physical exam revealed he wouldn't be ready to play in Sunday's season finale against Chicago. Stafford suffered the injury -- reportedly a partially dislocated kneecap -- Oct. 4 at Chicago. After missing two games, Stafford played through swelling and pain, knowing he would need minor clean-up surgery after the season. The Lions have expected a quick recovery."
Lions officially place Matthew Stafford on IR, sign Patrick Ramsey
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December 27
Detroit Free Press
 
"The Lions officially place quarterback Matthew Stafford on the injured reserve. They have signed quarterback Patrick Ramsey to take his place on the 53-man roster. Ramsey will wear No. 14. Ramsey has played for three teams, most notably the Redskins, where he started 24 games in four seasons. He also played with the Jets (2006) and Broncos (2007-08). Ramsey was in the Titans' preseason camp in August before he was released. He has 5,930 career passing yards, 35 touchdowns and 30 interceptions."
Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford shut down for 2009
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December 25
Detroit Free Press
 
"Matthew Stafford's rookie season is over. So the Lions are getting a jump on next season, sending the quarterback for clean-up knee surgery Tuesday in Birmingham, Ala. They expect a quick recovery -- and a leap forward in 2010. "You want to see some big strides made in the second year," offensive coordinator Scott Linehan said Thursday. "Obviously No. 1 is staying healthy. That's got to be a big part of his progress, too, because it's hard to really make that kind of progress when you've been banged up." Stafford, the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft, suffered a right knee injury Oct. 4 at Chicago. It was reportedly a partially dislocated kneecap, but coach Jim Schwartz still would not confirm ..."
Matthew Stafford's season over; he'll have 'minor' surgery
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December 24
Detroit News
 
"Quarterback Matthew Stafford's rookie season with the Lions is officially over. The team will place Stafford, the team's rookie No. 1 overall draft pick, on injured reserve this week and he'll undergo "minor" outpatient surgery on his right knee Tuesday in Birmingham, Ala., where renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews will perform the "clean-up" operation. Coach Jim Schwartz made the announcement before his team's final practice Thursday in preparation for Sunday's game at San Francisco. It's the same knee that has bothered Stafford since he suffered a partially dislocated kneecap Oct. 4 at Chicago. "We anticipate a minor surgery just to clean out some irritants and debris," ..."
Schwartz: Matthew Stafford unlikely to play
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December 23
Detroit Free Press
 
"Lions coach Jim Schwartz said he was closer to naming a starting quarterback for Sunday's game at San Francisco, but he gave a strong indication Tuesday that Matthew Stafford was almost entirely out of the mix as he continues to rest his injured left shoulder. "Let me hold one more day on that," Schwartz said of Stafford's status. "He is improving, he is improving, but most likely not. Let me hold one more day, but most likely not." If Stafford is out, that leaves Daunte Culpepper and Drew Stanton, who played the first and second halves, respectively, Sunday against Arizona. Schwartz is expected to tell the players by Wednesday who will start. He said the decision has involved just about ..."
Matthew Stafford 'most likely' won't play against 49ers
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December 23
Detroit News
 
"Lions coach Jim Schwartz gave no indication Tuesday who'll be his starting quarterback Sunday at San Francisco. But he did acknowledge it "most likely" won't be rookie Matthew Stafford, who remains sidelined with a left shoulder injury. "But he is improving," Schwartz said of Stafford. As for the decision between veteran Daunte Culpepper and Drew Stanton, hoping to make his first NFL start, Schwartz played coy again. He'll likely reveal his plans today when the Lions return to practice. "There's a lot of things that go into it," Schwartz said. "Game plans and defense and offense and the way we're going to do things and production, where we've been the last few games. All those things go ..."
Schwartz hasn't decided on starting QB
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December 21
Detroit News
 
"Jim Schwartz said he's "not 100 percent" decided on who his starting quarterback will be Sunday at San Francisco. Rookie Matthew Stafford likely will remain sidelined with a left shoulder injury, but Schwartz declined to say whether Drew Stanton, who replaced Daunte Culpepper for the second half of the 31-24 loss to Arizona, would get his first NFL start. "They'll be told by Wednesday," said Schwartz, who altered the team's schedule to give the players today off, followed by a walkthrough practice Tuesday. The Lions coach did offer an assessment of Stanton's play. Stanton was 10 for 19 for 72 yards with an interception in the second half. He also scored a touchdown on a 1-yard quarterback ..."
Lions probably won't have Matthew Stafford, so Daunte Culpepper to start Sunday
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December 19
Detroit Free Press
 
"Quarterback Daunte Culpepper has not generated a touchdown in his past two starts, when the Lions have been outscored, 74-3. After Sunday's 48-3 debacle in Baltimore, the decision to keep Culpepper in the entire game was widely criticized. Still, coach Jim Schwartz stuck with the veteran Friday and named him the starter for Sunday's home game against Arizona. Matthew Stafford, who is nursing a left-shoulder injury, did not practice this week and was listed as doubtful for the game. Culpepper is 0-8 as a starter for the Lions and said he is aware of the criticism over his lack of production but that he has tried to not let it affect him. "That's football," he said. "Myself, I want to ..."
Schwartz officially names Daunte Culpepper starter for Sunday
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December 19
Detroit Free Press
 
"Detroit Lions coach Jim Schwartz officially has named Daunte Culpepper the starter for Sunday's game against Arizona. Quarterback Matthew Stafford missed all week of practice with a left shoulder injury and likely will not play against the Cardinals. Even though Culpepper has failed to generate a touchdown in his past two starts, Schwartz indicated Monday after a 48-3 loss to Baltimore that Culpepper would remain the No. 2 quarterback behind Stafford and ahead of Drew Stanton. In Culpepper's past two starts, the Lions have been outscored, 74-3. Culpepper said he is aware of the criticism about his lack of production but that he has tried to not let it affect him."
Schwartz: Matthew Stafford not likely to play vs. Cardinals
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December 17
Detroit News
 
"Quarterback Matthew Stafford was deemed "not likely to play" this week against Arizona by Lions coach Jim Schwartz after the rookie missed practice again Wednesday. Stafford is expected miss his second straight game since aggravating the sprained AC joint in his left shoulder in a Dec. 6 loss at Cincinnati. Stafford, who initially injured his non-throwing shoulder Nov. 22 against Cleveland, hasn't practiced since the Bengals game and said he hasn't done any throwing other than just some casual tosses on the side. "He's probably in about the same boat that he was," Schwartz said of Stafford, who was a bystander at practice Wednesday while Daunte Culpepper continued to take the first-team ..."
Shoulder injury prevents Lions' Matthew Stafford from practicing
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December 16
Detroit News
 
"Quarterback Matthew Stafford remains idled by his left shoulder injury, sitting out practice Wednesday -- with an ice pack on his non-throwing shoulder -- as the Lions returned to work in preparation for Sunday's home game against Arizona. Daunte Culpepper, who started for Stafford in Sunday's 48-3 loss at Baltimore, continues to take the first-team practice reps ahead of Drew Stanton at quarterback. Safety Louis Delmas (ankle) and long snapper Don Muhlbach (concussion) also were sidelined Wednesday. The Lions made a few roster moves, placing running back Kevin Smith (knee) and tight end Casey FitzSimmons (concussion) on injured reserve, while signing running back Cedric Peerman from ..."
The future is not now for Drew Stanton
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December 16
Detroit News
 columnist Tim Twentyman
"Lions coach Jim Schwartz said something in Monday's news conference which was somewhat revealing into his coaching style and philosophy. "Our desire is to win a game on Sunday and I think any agenda we have that goes beyond that does a disservice to that game on Sunday, it does a disservice to the guys in the locker room and it does a disservice to the game. What it looks like for the future, what it looks like trying to find out about a player, those kinds of things -- that won't go into the decision," he said. But is that the right type of approach for the Lions at this point in the season? With a 2-11 record and coming off the team's worst loss in 18 years -- the future is all the ..."
Lions' Matthew Stafford won't play against Ravens
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December 10
Detroit News
 
"This time, there won't be any surprises. But there's still uncertainty. Coach Jim Schwartz announced Wednesday rookie Matthew Stafford will sit and Daunte Culpepper will start at quarterback Sunday at Baltimore. Yet it remains an open-ended question when Stafford, who aggravated a left shoulder injury in last week's loss at Cincinnati, will return to the field. Asked if this was just a one-week hiatus for his rookie No. 1 overall pick, Schwartz said, "Probably too early to tell there, but there's a chance that it is, yes." "It's a situation where if he hadn't taken that hit in the fourth quarter of the Cincy game, we wouldn't be having this discussion," Schwartz said. But he did, and we ..."
Matthew Stafford will sit, Daunte Culpepper will start for Lions on Sunday
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December 9
Detroit Free Press
 
"Daunte Culpepper will start at quarterback for the Detroit Lions on Sunday at Baltimore while rookie Matthew Stafford rests his injured left shoulder. Stafford, the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft, suffered an AC joint separation Nov. 22 against Cleveland. He didn't miss a snap until he took another direct hit in the fourth quarter Sunday at Cincinnati. "If he hadn't taken that hit in the fourth quarter of the Cincy game, we wouldn't be having this discussion," coach Jim Schwartz said today. "It was a very, very similar hit that he took in the Cleveland game, and we want to avoid the situation where it can become something that's chronic. "He's no worse for wear structurally. Everything is ..."
Lions' Matthew Stafford rests sore shoulder during practice
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December 9
Detroit News
 
"Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford was a bystander for the open-media portion of practice Wednesday, three days after aggravating his left shoulder injury in a loss at Cincinnati. Daunte Culpepper was taking the first-team reps ahead of Drew Stanton as the Lions began preparations for Sunday's game at Baltimore. Coach Jim Schwartz said Monday he had "a pretty good idea" what Stafford's status was for this week's game but planned to keep that to himself. He was asked if uncertainty about Stafford's ability to finish a game taking hits on his non-throwing shoulder would play a factor in that decision."
Matthew Stafford's health more important than last four games
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December 7
Detroit Free Press
 
"Another violent hit to Matthew Stafford's ailing left shoulder elicited another painful grimace from the rookie quarterback. Cincinnati linebacker Dhani Jones shot through a gap unabated on a desperate fourth-down call in another desperate Lions fourth quarter Sunday and jackhammered Stafford. He lay prone on the turf, grasping his shoulder. Gosder Cherilus saw his teammate in obvious physical agony and frantically motioned to the bench for immediate assistance, but Stafford collected his wits and walked off the field. There was no medical mutiny this time. Stafford wasn't leaving the sideline. The game already was lost. What's the point in risking the franchise's future for the sake of ..."
Matthew Stafford injures shoulder; status for next week unclear
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December 7
Detroit News
 
"Rookie quarterback Matthew Stafford left Paul Brown Stadium with his left shoulder strapped in an ice pack again. His status for next week's game at Baltimore is in doubt after he left Detroit's 23-13 loss at Cincinnati late in the fourth quarter because of injury. Stafford landed hard on the shoulder on a fourth-down sack by Dhani Jones with 3:36 left. Daunte Culpepper replaced Stafford on the Lions' last possession. "It felt about the same as it did (against) Cleveland," said Stafford, who initially suffered a separated shoulder two weeks ago at the end of a 38-37 victory over the Browns. "I don't think I've injured it any worse or anything. Stafford said he expected to undergo another ..."
Lions' Matthew Stafford says he's not sure he'll play next week
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December 6
Michigan Live
 
"Detroit Lions rookie quarterback Matthew Stafford doesn't believe he did any further damage to his left shoulder injury, but that doesn't mean he's guaranteed to play next week. Stafford left the game in the final minutes after he was slammed to the turf on his left shoulder. Stafford separated that shoulder two weeks and while he said it hasn't affected his performance, he has been dealing with a great deal of pain. "It felt about the same it did in Cleveland. I don't think I injured it any worse. He hit me just right,'' said Stafford after Detroit's 23-13 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday."
Stature of Detroit Lions' Matthew Stafford escalates
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November 29
Miami Herald
 
"The Detroit Lions announced last week the creation of a new display at Ford Field to be called ``The Pride of the Lions,'' a team mini-Hall of Fame that opened for viewing with a dozen charter members from the Lions' mostly long-ago glorious past, names such as quarterback Bobby Layne, defensive back Lem Barney and running back Barry Sanders, among others. In another 15 to 20 years, the Lions and their long-suffering fans would like to believe they will add another inductee, their rookie quarterback, Matthew Stafford, based on what they witnessed last Sunday at the end of a thrilling 38-37 comeback victory over the visiting Cleveland Browns. A so-called ``battle'' between 1-8 teams ..."
Schwartz: No regrets playing Stafford
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November 27
Detroit Free Press
 
"Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford came out of Thursday's 34-12 loss to Green Bay without any problems after playing with an injured left shoulder, and coach Jim Schwartz said he had no second thoughts about starting him. "Oh, gosh, no," Schwartz said today. "No. No second thoughts at all." Stafford suffered an AC joint separation late in Sunday's 38-37 victory over Cleveland. He did not practice before Thursday's game and was listed as doubtful on the injury report, meaning he had only about a 25% chance of playing. He ended up throwing four interceptions. "He started feeling better the day before," Schwartz said. "Just like I said yesterday, he woke up, felt good, was able to ..."
Matthew Stafford to blame for Lions' sluggish offense; but he'll also be Detroit's savior soon
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November 27
Michigan Live
 
"Detroit Lions coach Jim Schwartz continues to insist his team's offensive problems are rooted in the lack of a running game. It's a good, sound argument and it has its merits. Whether it's intended or not, it's also a convenient scapegoat to keep the pressure off the real problem -- the quarterback. Yes, the running game was its usual inconsistent and ineffective self Thursday, but that's not why the Lions were whipped 34-12 by the Green Bay Packers at Ford Field. The reason is because the Green Bay quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, was very productive throwing the ball and didn't turn it over while the Detroit quarterback, Matthew Stafford, was not very productive and turned it over four times. ..."
Fox announcers: Matthew Stafford still the real deal
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November 27
Detroit Free Press
 
"OK, reality check: Matthew Stafford apparently isn't Superman and he fell back to earth Thursday -- or turf, as the case may be. And, perhaps more to the point, the Green Bay Packers aren't the Cleveland Browns. Stafford was a surprise starter in spite of his sore shoulder, and that was good news for pretty much everybody except Daunte Culpepper. The Lions liked it, their fans liked it, and Fox announcers had to love it, because Stafford -- with his heroics Sunday -- finally gave them an actual Lions story line for the marquee game, other than why are they always on Thanksgiving? They were even selling it late in the game, when things weren't going Stafford's way. Like game analyst Troy ..."
No more Matthew Stafford miracles as Packers trounce Lions
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November 27
Detroit News
 
"It was fun while it lasted. But four days of hype surrounding Matthew Stafford's miracle finish in the win over Cleveland last weekend gave way to a sobering reality check Thursday. An emotional pregame lift from their rookie quarterback didn't last long for the Lions, who were trampled by the Green Bay Packers, 34-12, in the 70th Thanksgiving Day game. It's the sixth consecutive loss -- by an average margin of 23.2 points -- for the Lions (2-9) in their annual holiday tradition. That's the longest losing streak for the home team in this series that began back in 1934. Coach Jim Schwartz, who talked for months about defending the Lions' Thanksgiving turf, called it a "disappointing loss." ..."
Stafford plays, but Lions lose game and possibly Pettigrew for season
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November 26
Michigan Live
 
"Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford and receiver Calvin Johnson both played hurt on Thursday, but they didn't play particularly well. As a result, the Lions didn't have enough firepower to keep up with the Green Bay Packers and lost 34-12 on Thursday at Ford Field. The Packers improved to 7-4 on the season while the Lions, whoto 2-9, have now lost a franchise-record six straight games on Thanksgiving Day. Stafford threw four interceptions, including one that was returned 38 yards for a touchdown by Packers cornerback Charles Woodson. After a 1-yard touchdown reception on Detroit's first possession, Johnson had just one more catch - a 9-yard grab - for the rest of the game. Both ..."
Stafford, Johnson in lineup for Lions
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November 26
Detroit Free Press
 
"The legend continues. Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford will start today against Green Bay, despite suffering a left shoulder injury Sunday against Cleveland and being listed as doubtful on the injury report. Wide receiver Calvin Johnson also will play despite hand and knee injuries. He was listed as questionable."
Lions QB Stafford has a fan in Aikman
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November 26
Detroit Free Press
 
"It was almost exactly 20 years ago. Troy Aikman was the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft, a rookie quarterback on a terrible team. He shook off a previous injury and gave a record-setting performance. At the end of the game, he took a hard hit and got hurt again, but made a great play and put his team on top. Aikman returned from a broken finger Nov. 12, 1989, and threw for 379 yards, then an NFL rookie record. He threw a 75-yard touchdown pass after the two-minute warning, giving the Cowboys a 20-17 lead over the Cardinals, while taking a blind-side hit and suffering a concussion. The parallels with the Lions' Matthew Stafford are striking - except Aikman's story didn't have a dramatic, happy ..."
Packers may dodge Detroit Lions' Matthew Stafford, Calvin Johnson
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November 25
Green Bay Press Gazette
 
"The Green Bay Packers might get away without facing the Detroit Lions' two biggest offensive stars at all this season. Neither quarterback Matthew Stafford nor receiver Calvin Johnson practiced on Tuesday, leaving their status for Thursday's game against the Packers at Ford Field in doubt. They also both missed the first meeting on Oct. 18 at Lambeau Field because of knee injuries, and the Lions were punchless on offense in a 26-0 Packers victory. This time, both are nursing injuries from Sunday's victory over the Cleveland Browns, a game in which Stafford returned to the field after injuring his left (non-throwing) shoulder to throw the game-winning touchdown pass with no time on the ..."
Matthew Stafford, Calvin Johnson doubtful for Thanksgiving game
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November 25
Detroit News
 
"Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford and receiver Calvin Johnson did not practice Tuesday and it's unlikely either will play Thursday. Johnson injured his left knee with 37 seconds left in the first quarter of Sunday's game against Cleveland on a 1st-and-10 incompletion in the end zone. Johnson laid out to catch a pass from Stafford and landed hard on his left knee. Johnson played the rest of the game, but coach Jim Schwartz admitted Tuesday the injury is a concern right now. "He's improving and he'll be another one we'll wait until Thursday and see," he said. Schwartz said the injury was unrelated to the hand injury Johnson suffered last week and the right knee problem that kept him ..."
Lions QB Matthew Stafford reminds Jerome Bettis of a young Peyton Manning
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November 25
Detroit Free Press
 
"It's sure getting crowded in the Matthew Stafford Fan Club this week, but here's another new member: Jerome Bettis, formerly of Detroit and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Writing for SI.com, Bettis compared Stafford to a rookie Peyton Manning: "Manning took his beating like a man. He took his lumps. ... Even during those struggles, I can remember thinking: If he can really pick himself up off the mat like that, and if he can cut out some of those interceptions, this kid could be something special one day. I watch Stafford play today, and I feel some of the same emotions.""
Matthew Stafford sits out Lions' practice again Tuesday
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November 24
Detroit News
 
"Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford did not practice again Tuesday, and it is highly unlikely he will play Thursday against the Green Bay Packers. Stafford suffered a sprained AC joint in his left shoulder Sunday against Cleveland on the next-to-last play of the game. He returned to throw the winning touchdown to tight end Brandon Pettigrew, but was in severe pain after the game. Daunte Culpepper took all the first-team snaps in the portion of practice open to the media Tuesday. Receiver Calvin Johnson, who had a career-high 161 yards receiving against Cleveland, also was held out of practice. Johnson was listed on Monday's injury report with both hand and knee injuries. Safeties Ko Simpson ..."
Lions' Matthew Stafford, Calvin Johnson held out of practice today
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November 24
Michigan Live
 
"he Detroit Lions could be without their two biggest offensive weapons on Thursday when they host the Green Bay Packers at Ford Field. Rookie quarterback Matthew Stafford (separated left shoulder) and receiver Calvin Johnson (knee/hand) were both held out of Tuesday's practice. The Lions will hold a walk-through on Wednesday as their final preparation for the game. The Lions are listed as 11-point underdogs against the Packers."
Matthew Stafford unlikely to play against Packers
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November 24
Detroit News
 
"And for an encore, Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford likely will take a seat on the bench. Fresh off a record-setting performance in a thrilling 38-37 win over the Browns on Sunday, Stafford is expected to miss Thursday's nationally-televised Thanksgiving Day game against Green Bay. Coach Jim Schwartz acknowledged as much Monday, after Stafford missed a walk-through practice because of a sprained AC joint in his left (non-throwing) shoulder. Schwartz wouldn't disclose the severity of the shoulder separation, but he did say an MRI revealed no significant damage. "He's sore, and I would say if that continues, he'd be unlikely to play," said Schwartz, adding that Daunte Culpepper will get ..."
Lions' Matthew Stafford likely out for Thanksgiving
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November 23
Detroit Free Press
 
"Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford is unlikely to play Thursday against Green Bay. But he apparently does not have a long-term injury. Coach Jim Schwartz said today Stafford suffered an AC joint separation in his left shoulder and that test results did not indicate it's an injury Schwartz would consider significant."
There's no doubt now: Stafford is strong enough to lead
Comment
November 23
Detroit Free Press
 columnist Drew Sharp
"The clock read 0:00, but Matthew Stafford kept scrambling, kept surviving, kept searching for a way to keep alive a game initially declared dead early in the first quarter. His heart raced at a velocity comparable to the rockets fired from his right arm. He finally found Calvin Johnson in the back of the end zone just milliseconds before an equally frenetic Cleveland rusher not so subtly introduced himself to the quarterback's exposed left shoulder. "I threw it up and then got planted," Stafford said. Like this Lions' season, things went dark for the rookie. He didn't know what happened until center Dominic Raiola frantically tried picking him up off the turf. "I'm telling him there was ..."
A proud moment at Ford Field
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November 23
Detroit Free Press
 
"Even before Matthew Stafford led the Lions to a rousing 38-37 comeback win over Cleveland on Sunday, one of the franchise's great voices of the past sang the rookie quarterback's praises -- and preached a little patience. "I think the young man has a strong arm. I don't think you can evaluate him right now because he's still learning," said Joe Schmidt, a former coach and Hall of Fame linebacker for the Lions. "I think he has the necessary tools to be a good quarterback. His arm is strong, and he seems like he conducts himself properly. "He makes some bad choices -- that's like all the young guys do; even the older guys do that. So it's going to take a little time for him to learn, but I ..."