Stafford's surgery is a success

According to DetroitLions.com, Matthew's knee surgery was a success.

DetNews.com - Surgery on knee of Lions' Matthew Stafford's a success
MLive.com - Surprise, surprise: Matthew Stafford and the Lions didn't always stick to script

Stafford schedule to have surgery today

According to DetroitLions.com, Matthew was schedule to have knee surgery in Brimingham, Alabama today. Let's hope everything went well.

Mlive.com - Lions' Jim Schwartz: 'We have a starting quarterback (he just won't play Sunday)'
ESPN Rise - All-Decade Team
Morning Sun - PAULA PASCHE: Besides Stafford Lions have lots of questions at QB

Friday update

Nothing much to update. I doubt we'll hear much until after Matthew's knee surgery next week. Let's hope everything goes great, and he doesn't have any complications. Get well soon Matthew.

DetroitLions.com - Stafford placed on IR
ESPN - Air and space: Play action
CBSSports.com - Rapid reports
ESPN - John Clayton talks about Stafford

Matthew Stafford placed on injured reserve

Unfortunately, Matthew's season is done. He was placed on injured reserved today and will have minor knee surgery on Tuesday. Dr. James Andrews of Birmingham, Ala., will perform the surgery. According to reports, Matthew will not need surgery on his injured left shoulder.

ESPN.com - Stafford's rookie season ends on IR
USAToday.com - Lions send QB Matthew Stafford to injured reserve
Associated Press - Lions place rookie QB Stafford on injured reserve
DetNews.com - Matthew Stafford's season over; he'll have 'minor' surgery

Matthew Stafford helping children tackle obesity

WoodTV.com is reporting that Matthew is working with Blue Cross Blue Shield and a Grand Rapids-based program called FIT to try and reduce childhood obesity. According to the station, the program focuses on physical activity, improved nutrition and working with students' families and community organizations to promote a healthy lifestyle.



Matthew will not start on Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers. Head coach Jim Schwartz announced on Wednesday that backup QB Drew Stanton will get the start.

Plus, Matthew's performance against the Cleveland Browns made the NFL Network's Top 10 Moments of the Decade.

Stafford will 'most likely not' play on Sunday

FreeP.com - Lions' Jim Schwartz: Matthew Stafford unlikely to play
MLive.com - Lions' Jim Schwartz moves step closer to ruling out Matthew Stafford
Athlon Sports - Athlon Sports Deputy Editor

WJR.com - Matthew's weekly interview with Mitch Albom

Unknown if Stafford will play on Sunday

NameDrop. It seems that Matthew is battling the cold weather up in Michigan.

DetNews.com - Stafford's pains limiting Lions gains
FreeP.com - Lions' Jim Schwartz unsure who will start at QB vs. 49ers
MLive.com - Lions' Jim Schwartz: No decision yet on starting QB
FreeP.com - Schwartz: It's possible Stafford could start next week

Here's a funny quote: "You want to have the Wells Fargo truck out there without a lock on the door?" - Fox color man Tim Ryan, on whether the Lions will risk playing Matthew Stafford any more this season (Detroit Free Press)

Cool Tweets
doodoodave: Just saw matthew stafford from the lions while at lunch with my girlfriend. I was way too scared to say anything to him.
manningtheship: Hmmm I wonder if a layover in Detroit (rock city) constitutes a violation of the Matt Stafford restraining order.

Saturday update

Not much to update lately since Matthew is most likely not going to play on Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals. He didn't practice at all this week.

FreeP.com - Lions probably won't have Matthew Stafford, so Daunte Culpepper to start Sunday
MLive.com - Tom Kowalski's The Insider on WDFN -- Second Segment: Matthew Stafford garners respect from teammates, NFL

Thursday update

DetroitLions.com - Head coach Jim Schwartz post-practice quote sheet
DetrotiLions.com - Post-Practice Video: Jim Schwartz addresses the injuries to the rookies
ESPN - Stephania Bell blog
ESPN - Air and Space: Pass attempts rising
DetNews.com - Lions: Trading Calvin Johnson would be 'completely insane'
MySanAntonio.com - Q&A with Texas Tech safety Cody Davis

Stafford doesn't practice; Unlikely he'll play on Sunday

Sorry for the lack of updates lately. Not only was my internet service out, but managing a business seven days a week doesn't leave much time for anything else. Hopefully things will improve next week once things settle down.

Matthew has updated his NameDrop blog.

FreeP.com - Matthew Stafford sits out practice
DetNews.com - Schwartz: Matthew Stafford not likely to play vs. Cardinals
SI.com - Limping Lions
ESPN - Cardinals-Lions preview
MLive.com - Lions don't want to make same mistake twice by rushing Matthew Stafford back into action
MLive.com - Don Banks: Four Lions rookies would go in first round if teams could have a do-over in 2009 NFL draft

WJR.com - Stafford talks to Mitch Albom on the Lions performance against the Ravens, and when he’ll be back.

In an NFL Films' tribute to Alfred Hitchcock, NFL Films has posted an un-cut video of the last eight seconds of Matthew playing against the Cleveland Browns. Steve Sabol, president and founder of NFL Films, says that Matthew gave "one of the most courageous performances" he has ever seen. Sabol and NFL Films have been wiring players since the early 1960s.

Pass-happy Rookie

I found this amazing stat on ColdHardFootballFacts.com: Matthew throws 37.7 passes per game, that's the most by a rookie in NFL history.

I knew he was throwing the ball a bunch every game, in fact, the game against Cincinnati is the first time he didn't throw over 30 times, but the most by a rookie in NFL history? Wow! I think Matthew's doing very well considering how much he's being asked to throw the ball. I don't know much about football, but one thing that I have learned is that most teams would rather not have their rookie QBs do too much. Not the Lions though. I think that tells a lot about how much confidence they have come to have in Matthew in such a short amount of time. He's expected to make plays not just manage the game.

As we know by now, due to his injured shoulder Matthew will not play against the Ravens on Sunday.

There's some new stuff on Matthew's NameDrop site. He has updated his NameDrop blog and photo album. Apparently, he had a photo shoot on Tuesday for one of his corporate partners, and he has posted some behind-the-scenes photos.

Former UGA head coach Vince Dooley has released the book “Dooley’s Playbook,” and in it he counts down the 34 most memorable plays in UGA football history. Matthew's touchdown pass against Alabama in overtime in 2007 made the list.

WJR.com - Listen to Matthew's weekly interview with Micht Albom. In this segment, he talks about the team and his injury.
MLive.com - Lunch with Killer recap: Matthew Stafford 'will take a huge leap next season' according to one veteran Lions player
Fox Sports Detroit - Lions, without Stafford, look to rebound at Baltimore
MLive.com - Jim Schwartz: Matthew Stafford's injury was not the cause of incompletions, interceptions

Stafford will not play against Ravens

Head coach Jim Schwartz announced today that Matthew will sit out against the Ravens. Matthew said that he was still too sore and in pain so a collective decision was made that he should rest the shoulder. Schwartz said that there was a good chance that it would only be a one-week situation. Daunte Culpepper will get the start this week.

MLive.com - Lions' Matthew Stafford sits out practice; Daunte Culpepper takes No. 1 reps
DetroitLions.com - Stafford won't go this week
MLive.com - Lions' Jim Schwartz names Daunte Culpepper starter; Matthew Stafford out vs. Ravens
FreeP.com - Matthew Stafford will sit, Daunte Culpepper will start for Lions on Sunday
DetNews.com - Stafford will not play against Ravens
Fanhouse.com - Mark Sanchez, Matthew Stafford Out for Week 14

Should Stafford sit or play?

Lots of media calling for Matthew to sit to rest his shoulder, but I think that if he thinks he can play then let him play. Matthew knows better than anyone his ability, his limitations and his pain threshold. If he thinks the pain is going to negatively affect his play on the field or if the injury is going to affect his career in the long run, I'm sure he'll make the right decision that's best for the team, his health and his career.

FreeP.com - No second-guessing handling of Matthew Stafford
Lionsfans.com - Schwartz Defends Stafford's Presence
Daily Tribune - Call on Stafford's injury is an easy one — let him rest
MLive.com - Lions need to sit Matthew Stafford, start Drew Stanton at quarterback against the Ravens
SI.com - MMQB Mailbag: I stand by what I said

Lions not saying much about Stafford's injury

The Lions are not saying much about Matthew's injury, but head coach Jim Schwartz did say that he had a good idea of whether Matthew will start or not against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday.

DetroitLions.com - Schwartz Mum on Stafford's Status
FreeP.com - Lions' Jim Schwartz coy about Matthew Stafford's status
ESPN - Schwartz won't tip hand to Ravens
DetNews.com - Lions: Mathew Stafford sore, status for Sunday unknown
DetNews.com - Mike O'Hara: Enough, already! Lions should sit Stafford
MLive.com - Reader Poll: Should Detroit Lions shut down Matthew Stafford for remainder of season
MLive.com - Status of Lions' Matthew Stafford is still uncertain -- and likely to remain so
MLive.com - Tom Kowalski on 'The Point After': Lions should sit Matthew Stafford against Ravens
Bengals.com - Johnson, defense get Stafford

Matthew Stafford inspires teammates

Matthew's teammate OT Gosder Cherilus, who had an AC joint injury in college, expressed his respect of Matthew and talked about what an inspiration it has been to the team the way that Matthew has handled his injury.

“Anything you do, you feel it. You’re sleeping and you roll the wrong way, you’ll feel it. Some mornings, I didn’t think I could deal with it. It takes awhile to get it moving in the morning before it feels better. For him to be doing what he is doing, my hat is off to the kid. I respect him," Cherilus said. "When you think about who we are and look at our record, it's easy for a lot of guys to shut it down. He's not one of those guys. He's right there next to us. When you see that, you appreciate it and try to give him the same in return."

Matthew Stafford re-injures shoulder against Bengals

Another rough day for Matthew. He re-injured his left shoulder, and this time he did not return to the game. He said that he didn't think he injured it any worse, but that it was as painful as when he injured it against Cleveland. He doesn't know if he'll play next week, but he did say that he'll consider sitting out to rest his shoulder. We'll probably know more as the week progresses since he'll undergo additional exams on Monday.

Matthew was 11 of 26 for 143 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. It was the first time this season that Matthew didn't have over 30 pass attempts. The 54-yard touchdown to Calvin Johnson was a thing of beauty though. Check it out. By the way, Matthew's TD pass to Johnson was his 13th of the season, and it set a new franchise record for TD passes in a season by a rookie quarterback.

FreeP.com - Matthew Stafford planted on bad shoulder vs. Bengals
DetNews.com - Matthew Stafford injures shoulder; status for next week unclear
MLive.com - Matthew Stafford re-injures shoulder in Lions' 23-13 loss to Bengals
MLive.com - Lions' Matthew Stafford says he's not sure he'll play next week
Fanhouse.com - Matthew Stafford Re-Aggravates Injury
SI.com - Matthew Stafford will consider resting sore shoulder
FreeP.com - Matthew Stafford’s health more important than last four games
DetNews.com - Shouldering the load too much for Matthew Stafford
DetNews.com - Bengals hand Lions 18th straight road defeat
DetroitLions.com - Lions at Bengals: Game Notes
CBSSports.com - Rapid Reports
NFL.com - Game Center

Photos
Detroit Free Press, Detroit News, DetroitLions.com (1st half)

DetroitLions.com - Video: Stafford highlight, lowlights and injury

To Jared Smith

It's gameday! The Lions play the Cincinnati Bengals today. I think it's going to be a tough game for the Lions because the Bengals have one of the best run defenses in the league, and the Lions have struggled in the running game. Matthew has been the second leading rusher for the Lions in their last three games. That's never a good sign. Let's hope Matthew doesn't have to throw the ball 50+ times again.

NFL.com - Game Center
Cincinnati.com - Bengals-Lions scouting report
DetroitLions.com - Post-Practice Video: Schwartz, Stafford
DetNews.com - Ex-Wolverine Leon Hall part of NFL's 'best corner tandem'
ESPN - What would NFL fan bases advertise for

And finally, I would like to dedicate this post to Jared Smith of The Ohio State University's Moritz College of Law. Why? Check out the t-shirt that he's sporting.

Stafford answers questions for SI's The Pop Culture Grid

Matthew is featured in "The Pop Culture Grid" section of this week's edition of Sports Illustrated. He's asked five questions along with four other athletes. The questions are interesting. They involve Martha Stewart, Twilight, fine tunning skills, furniture and obsessions.

DetroitLions.com - Matthew Stafford Conference Call 12-2-09
FreeP.com - Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford's mom: Quit the cussing
MLive.com - John Matthew Stafford, watch your language!
SI.com - Will Bengals finally air it out?
Cincy Jungle - Pride of Detroit answers the question: Who are these Detroit Lions?
Bengals.com - Lions in Bengals' den
DetNews.com - Lions can learn from Bengals' rebound
DetNews - Lions' Culpepper admits irritation over Thanksgiving switch

I would like to give a shout-out to my high school team the Colquitt County Packers for reaching the state semifinals. Although they lost to Camden County on Friday, they still had a great season. Go Pack!

Cincinnati Bengals week

Matthew still listed on the Lions injury reports, but he did practice on Tuesday and Wednesday.

DetroitLions.com - Post-Practice Video 12-2-09
DetNews.com - Stafford, C. Johnson practicing; Sims, D. White also back
DetroitLions.com - Stafford, Johnson Better After Time Off
Bengals.com - Marvin Lewis Press Conference Transcript

WJR.com - Matthew Stafford talks about the Thanksgiving game also Mitch [Albom] and Ken coach him on reacting when injured.

The Heart of a Lion

NameDrop has a Cool Stuff feature on their front page, and this week Matthew's profile is featured under the heading The Heart of a Lion. Visit the link and you could win a slot on NameDrop's exclusive game with Matthew.

Matthew has updated his blog. He talks about playing on Thanksgiving Day, being in Georgia for the UGA-GT game, his injured shoulder, preparing for the Bengals and much more.

FreeP.com - Lions made right decision starting Stafford on Thankgiving
MLive.com - Is putting an injured Matthew Stafford on the field worth the risk for Lions?
MLive.com - Week 10 power rankings: Comeback win against Browns keeps Lions from being cellar dwellers
ESPN - Third and one: Lions

Cool Tweets
Ian_OConnor: Ha! Parade is so bad I had to rewatch the Matthew Stafford video from last Sunday to feel right again.
LukeHalpert: has a mancrush on matt stafford
Raul33: Matt Stafford spotted at the uga/gt game. Can we get this kid a jersey asap!
thejustmann: Someone explain this dream I had last night: I'm chilling with Matt Stafford and then all of a sudden an atomic bombs explodes.

Stafford joins Lions captains

I hope everyone had a good break. I know I did. Even though I had to work from Wednesday through Sunday, I still got to hang out with relatives and friends, and had a good time all around. And the Dawgs beat Tech so that was just icing on the cake.

According to Lions head coach Jim Schwartz, Matthew is now a captain of the team. He has gone out for the coin flip with the other team captains the last two games. Coach Schwartz believes that the starting quarterback should also be a team captain, but waited until later in the season to promote Matthew since he is a rookie and had to earn the promotion.

Also, Matthew won the Week 11 Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week honors. Congratulations Matthew!

By the way, Matthew was on the sidelines at the Georgia-Georgia Tech game cheering on the Dawgs and sporting his Detroit Tigers hat. He needs to attend more Georgia games. He seems to be a good luck charm for the Dawgs.

MLive.com - Lions rookie quarterback Matthew Stafford slides into role of team captain
Associated Press - Schwartz not second-guessing decision to start Stafford
TruFan - The kid has guts
MLive.com - Green Bay writer calls Lions basically a two-man team
Winston-Salem Journal - QBs have tough time remaining on the field
Dallas News - Final thought: Snap decisions
Blodic.us - The Anointing of Matthew Stafford: Detroit's Quarterback Is Here to Stay

Rookie season roller coster continues for Stafford

Four days after a historic game against the Cleveland Browns, Matthew continues to ride the rookie quarterback roller coaster, which means great one day and bad another. Unfortunately, Matthew hit another valley along the ride. He was 20-of-43 with one touchdown and four interceptions, and the Lions lost 34-12. Thankfully he came away from the game without exacerbating his shoulder injury.

DetroitLions.com - Lions Have a Tough Follow-Up to Last Sunday's Win
FreeP.com - Matthew Stafford is still a work in progress
DetNews.com - No more Matthew Stafford miracles as Packers trounce Lions
MLive.com - Matthew Stafford throws four interceptions as Lions get overwhelmed by Packers, 34-12
MLive.com - Matthew Stafford to blame for Lions' sluggish offense; but he'll also be Detroit's savior soon
DetroitLions.com - Postgame Audio: Matthew Stafford 11-26-09
DetroitLions.com - Postgame Quotes: Detroit Lions
NFL.com - WK 12: Matthew Stafford highlights (and lowlights)
NFL.com - Game Center
FreeP.com - Jim Schwartz: No reason to regret any draft picks
Windsor Star - Stafford crashes back to earth

Photos
Detroit Free Press, The Detroit News, DetroitLions.com (1st half, 2nd half), and USPresswire.

Matthew Stafford to start against Packers

FOX Sports just announced that Matthew will start against the Packers. Good luck Matthew. I hope you and the Lions have a great game.

Sights and sounds: Matthew Stafford mic'd up

Matthew is officially listed as doubtful for the game against Green Bay.

Listen to Matthew being mic'd up during the win over Cleveland. The video is awesome. I thought it was funny that while Matthew was warming up for the game he said that the NFL people were going to regret having mic'd him up because his conversations were boring. Who would have guess that it would turn out to be "the most dramatic player wiring ever." LOL

DetNews.com - Stafford unplugged: The rookie sure sounds like a winner
DetNews.com - NFL show captures Stafford in final seconds of dramatic victory
FreeP.com - Injured Stafford wired: 'I can throw the ball if you need me to throw the ball'
FreeP.com - Lions QB Stafford has a fan in Aikman



ESPN - John Clayton On Orton And Stafford

Game replay and Stafford's sound wiring will air tonight

The Lions-Browns game will be re-replayed tonight at 8:00 p.m. on NFL Network. Also, Matthew's wiring from the game will be on Sound FX on the NFL Network on Wednesday at 4 p.m. and on Inside the NFL on Showtime at 9 p.m.

Matthew has updated his blog. He talks about the win over the Browns, getting ready for Green Bay, and watching the Thanksgiving Day game with his dad when he was a little kid. Matthew does not have a Twitter, MySpace, Facebook, etc., accounts, so if you really want to know what he thinks and what he's doing check out his site over at NameDrop.com.

FreeP.com - Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford part of 'cinematic folklore' after win
Associated Press - Stafford seals status as franchise QB for Lions
MLive.com - Lions noncommittal on status of Matthew Stafford, Calvin Johnson for game vs. Packers
NFL Players Association - Rookie Spotlight for Week 11: Matthew Stafford
DetroitLions.com - Post-Practice Video: Schwartz, Stafford 11-24-09
DetroitLions.com - Matthew Stafford Conference Call 11-24-09
DetroitLions.com - Conference Call Transcript: Packers' CB Charles Woodson
DetroitLions.com - Head Coach Jim Schwartz Post-Practice Quote Sheet
Sporting News - Stafford Shows Off His Wing
RealGMFootball.com - Stafford Has...Something
FreeP.com - Lions QB Stafford has a fan in Aikman
FreeP.com - Lions QB Matthew Stafford reminds Jerome Bettis of a young Peyton Manning
Journal Sentinel - Stafford could be Favre-like
MLive.com - The Press Box Podcast: Offensive line overhaul needed to protect Lions' Matthew Stafford
Daily Tribune - Stafford's status for Thanksgiving game still uncertain

Listen to Matthew's weekly interview with 760 WJR's Mitch Albom.

Tweet of the Week
stolo: Honey put the kids in the car I'm taking them into town to start the renaming paperwork. One can be Matt, the other Stafford?

This is a really cool video of the NFL Network's Mike Mayock taking a closer look at Matthew's performance to win the game against the Browns. Matthew was wired for sound during the game, and you can hear some of it during this video. It's pretty good so check it out.

Don't forget to keep voting for Matthew for Pepsi Rookie of the Week and for FedEx Air & Ground NFL Player of the Week. You can vote as many times as you want.

Matthew Stafford's jersey on display at Pro Football Hall of Fame

How big was Matthew's five touchdown, 422-yards performance against the Cleveland Browns? The jersey that he wore during the game is already on display at the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Congratulations Matthew!

The football that's next to the jersey is the ball that Matthew threw to WR Calvin Johnson for a 75-yard touchdown during the game.

The HOF site has posted some photos of the display. Here're some of them.

The HOF's collections curator opening the package containing Matthew's jersey.


The jersey was ripped during Matthew's examination in the training room.


The HOF's curatorial staff placing the jersey on display.


Matthew's jersey on display at the Pro Football Today Gallery.

Vote for Matthew Stafford for Rookie of the Week

Matthew is one of NFL.com's Pepsi Rookie of the Week nominees. Click here to vote for him. He was also nominated for the FedEx Air & Ground Player of the Week. You can vote for him here. Vote as many times as you want.

Also, Matthew was named the NFC offensive player of the week for his inspiring performance in the win against the Cleveland Browns. Congratulations Matthew!

Matthew was wired for sound against Cleveland, and according to The Detroit News NFL Films president Steve Sabol said that it was "the most dramatic player wiring ever." The NFL Network will air highlights from the wiring on Wednesday at 4 p.m. It will also be aired on Inside the NFL on Showtime at 9 p.m. on Wednesday.

FreeP.com - Stafford, Johnson sit out at Lions practice
ProFootballHOF.com - Stafford passes way into record book
MLive.com - Matthew Stafford shows will to win in leading Lions to comeback win over Browns
AJC.com - Turns out Matthew Stafford does have a heart. Fooled me
FreeP.com - Lions-Browns full of surprises, encouraging signs
ESPN - Orthopedic clinical specialist Stephania Bell's blog
ESPN - How I See It: NFC North Stock Watch
ESPN - Football Then & Now: McCoy, Stafford, Williams
ESPN - Rookie Watch: Week 11

ESPN - Big-Name Quarterbacks Banged Up

Stafford still in pain; Doesn't know if he'll play on Thursday

During his weekly interview with WJR's Mitch Albom, Matthew said that he had an AC joint sprain, and that he was still in a pretty good amount of pain. He also said that he didn't know if he was going to play on Thursday.

These are my favorite photos from yesterday's game.


Matthew eluding a team trainer that was trying to keep him from the field after he hurt his shoulder. The picture speaks for itself.


Matthew and Calvin Johnson celebrating a touchdown. Georgia-Georgia Tech celebrating together. Who would have thought it? I like it though.

DetroitLions.com - Schwartz Gives an Update on Stafford
Yahoo! Sports - Lions QB Stafford may not play vs Packers
FreeP.com - Lions' Matthew Stafford likely out for Thanksgiving
DetNews.com - Stafford likely won't play on Thanksgiving; Calvin Johnson questionable
SI.com - Matthew Stafford's gutsy comeback in Detroit was one for the ages
FreeP.com - Matthew Stafford ignores agony for victory
FreeP.com - A proud moment at Ford Field
Deadspin.com - Matthew Stafford Wins The Weekend
Fanhouse.com - The Legend of Matthew Stafford, Part I
DetNews.com - This Lions victory means more than you might think
FreeP.com - Drew Sharp: 3 Lions questions
MLive.com - Detroit Lions' Matt Stafford theme song: Jay-Z's 'Run This Town' or Tom Petty's 'I Won't Back Down'?
SI.com - Bus Stops: Lions will be worth watching
Yahoo! Sports - Stafford, Quinn provide shine for tarnished clubs
ESPN - Scouts Buzz: Stafford growing up fast

ESPN - Stafford, Schwartz On Lions' Amazing Win

Record-breaking game for Stafford

It was a record-breaking game for Matthew, and a great win for the Lions, who won 38-37. Matthew threw the game-winning TD with zero seconds left on the clock even after injuring his left shoulder during the previous play. He was 26-of-43 for 422 yards with five touchdowns, two interceptions and a passer efficiency rating of 112.7.

The 422 yards was a franchise record for the most passing yards in a win, and Matthew became the youngest quarterback in NFL history to toss five touchdown passes in a single game. It's also only the second time that a Lions quarterback threw for 400-plus yards in a win, and it was only the second time in history that a rookie quarterback threw for five TDs in one game. Scott Mitchell threw for over 400 yards in a Lions win back in 1995, and Ray Buivid of Chicago threw five TDs in one game in 1937.

Initial X-rays on Matthew's shoulder were negative. According to head coach Jim Schwartz more tests will be done.

DetroitLions.com - Stafford's Teammates Not Surprised by His Toughness
DetroitLions.com - NFL.com to Re-Air Lions Comeback Win over Browns for free
MLive.com - Lions beat Browns on game-winning touchdown pass by Matthew Stafford to Brandon Pettigrew
MLive.com - Lions' quarterback Matthew Stafford has 'it' and talented supporing cast, too
MLive.com - Matthew Stafford's ascension to legendary status begins with comeback win for Lions
FreeP.com - X rays negative on Lions QB Stafford's left shoulder
RotoTimes.com - Stafford set for MRI
FreeP.com - There’s no doubt now: Stafford is strong enough to lead
DetNews.com - Gritty Lions beat Browns on final play
FreeP.com - Stafford's heroics with no time left leads Lions
The Sports Network - Stafford's day a sign of things to come?
Cleveland.com - Browns Insider: Eric Wright says defense pretty burned by Stafford's big day
ESPN - Wrap-up: Lions 38, Browns 37
DaveHogg.com - Matt Stafford Wins The Team
Cleveland.com - Injured shoulder wasn't about to deny Lions' Matthew Stafford a shot at comeback
RoarReport -He Has Arrived! Stafford Wills Lions To Win
ESPN - Stafford's TD at :00 wins game after Browns called for interference on Hail Mary
Associated Press - NFL: Lions beat Browns 38-37 in Bad Bowl thriller
Detroit4Lyfe.com - Stafford...And All That Jazz

Photos
ESPN, USPresswire, Getty, DetNews.com, FreeP.com, DetroitLions.com (1st halft, 2nd half)

Audio
DetroitLions.com - Postgame Audio: Matthew Stafford 11-22-09
DetNews.com - Lions' Calvin Johnson on Matthew Stafford, Brandon Pettigrew
DetNews.com - Lions' Jeff Backus on Matthew Stafford


NFL.com - Week 11: Matthew Stafford highlights
NFL.com - Lions' roaring comeback
DetroitLions.com - All videos
CBSSports.com - The NFL Today Post Game Show
CBSSports - Browns vs. Lions Recap
NFL.com - Deion Sanders counts down the top 10 performances from a wild Week 11

It's gameday!

Let's hope for a good game for Matthew and the Lions.

NFL.com - Game center
MLive.com - Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford takes full responsibility for string of dropped passes
CantonRep.com - Times have changed for Massaquoi, Stafford
ESPN - Week 11 injury report: No byes, but many injuries

Friday update

Daily Tribune - Earning his stripes

FreeP.com - Browns fans like Stafford, Lions to win Sunday
Cleveland.com - Cleveland Browns: Defensive coordinator Rob Ryan news conference from Friday, Nov. 20, 2009
MLive.com - Jim Schwartz on WMAX: We need to reserve judgement on Kevin Smith
Cleveland.com - Cleveland Browns fans poll: Anything can happen when two terrible teams meet
AJC.com - NFC rankings: Falcons down, Stafford up, Mora still nuts
Cleveland.com - Tony Grossi previews Browns vs. Lions - Podcast

The News Herald - Avril raves about Stafford

'Play every play like it could be your last'

DetroitLions.com - Locker Room Video
FreeP.com - Mangini praises Stafford's head, arm
RoarReport.com - Lions Best Chance to Win on Sunday
Cleveland.com - Cleveland Browns: Eric Mangini Thursday press conference
ESPN - Air and Space: WR support

Here's another Browns-Lions preview from ESPN. I hope they're predictions come true.

Cleveland Browns week

Ohio.com - Conference calls with Lions Head Coach Jim Schwartz and quarterback Matthew Stafford
ClevelandBrowns.com - What to watch for
ClevelandBrowns.com - Mangini press conf. 11/18 (Video)
CBSSports - Stafford still limited in practice
DetNews.com - Drops piling up for Lions
RoarReport.com - Protection Not There For Stafford

I hate this Countdown Daily AccuScore Report thing from ESPN. That's why I've never posted it before, but they actually predicted a win this week so I'm posting it for luck just in case. I hope they didn't jinx the Lions.

'It’s got to end right here.'

I really enjoyed reading this article from the Detroit Free Press. Lions center Dominic Raiola talks about the Lions' past quarterbacks, and how he thinks Matthew figures into the Lions' future.

TwinCities.com - Stafford tough
TwinCities.com - 'He's elusive.'
CBSSports.com - Rapid Reports
DetNews.com - Lions don't help rookie Stafford
Daily Tribune - Kid quarterback keeps on ticking, but Lions fall to Vikes
DetNews.com - How Stafford rates against NFL flops
MLive.com - What we learned against the Vikings is that Matthew Stafford is no wuss
ProFootballWeekly.com - Protecting Stafford has become Lions' major issue
RealGMFootball.com - $.10 For Week 10
MLive.com - Lions coach Jim Schwartz praises QB Matthew Stafford for playing through injury
FreeP.com - Matthew Stafford's toughness a rare bright spot for the Lions
FreeP.com - Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford proves toughness amid team's woeful season

Poised under pressure

Another tough game for Matthew, but unlike last week, he played very well against the Vikings. The problem was the protection, or lack there of, that he received from his offensive line. The defensive pressure that he faced this week was relentless. Matthew was either hit, hurried or sacked on about 70% or more of his pass attempts. Those were 51 pass attempts by the way. I think that's the most I ever seen Matthew attempt in one game, and I've been watching his games since he was in high school.

Matthew's stats for the game were 29 of 51 for 224 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions. The Lions lost 27-10.

Access Vikings - Pounding fails to make Stafford go away
FreeP.com - Lions QB Matthew Stafford gets back up -- again and again
DetNews.com - Stafford can only hang on
DetNews.com - Stafford gets roughed up, but he's a big boy
MLive.com - Fight of rookie quarterback Matthew Stafford one thing the Lions have going for them
MLive.com - Matthew Stafford is no pussy(cat)
ESPN - On Stafford and Delmas
ESPN - Rapid Reaction: Vikings 27, Lions 10
NFL.com - Game center
CBSSports.com - Rapid reports
DetroitLions.com - Postgame Quotes: Detroit Lions
ESPN - Game recap
DetroitLions.com - Game Notes: Lions at Vikings
MLive.com - Lions' line play on offense, defense to blame for team's 1-8 record
MLive.com - Lions overwhelmed by Vikings in 27-10 loss
AllHeadlineNews.com - 'Maul' Of America: Vikings Defense Overpowers Stafford, Lions
Open Sports - Gameday aftermath: Week 10 - Top offensive rookies
FreeP.com - Lions' midterm grades

There're some photos from the game over at Detroit Free Press, Detroit News, NFL.com, DetroitLions.com, and USPresswire.

DetroitLions.com has posted some audio of Matthew's locker room interview. They've also posted a video of his game highlights.

Lions vs. Vikings

Let's hope for a good game.

DetNews.com - Lions have no buyer's remorse for struggling Matthew Stafford
VikingsUpdate.com - Vikings-Lions
game scout
MLive.com - Brian VanOchten on The Huge Show: Matthew Stafford, Calvin Johnson need to gel for Lions to succeed
Lionsfans.com - Stafford's INTs Don't Concern Schwartz
ESPN - Week 10 injury report: Relief from the bye

Friday update

I know. Not much of an update, but I just got back from the movies and can barely keep my eyes open to hit the publish button.

FreeP.com - Cutler throws five picks, makes me wonder about Stafford
DetNews.com - Calvin Johnson, Matthew Stafford working out kinks
WJR.com - Matthew's weekly interview with Mitch Albom

Teammates support Stafford

Some interesting stories today. Lions center Dominic Raiola talks about Matthew's perseverence through his struggles, and fellow quarterback Drew Stanton gives his opinion on Matthew's interceptions against the Seahawks.

Also, according to several reports, Matthew's still being limited by his injured knee. He is expected to play this Sunday against the Vikings.

The Oakland Press - Gettin’ by with a little help from his friends
FreeP.com - Stanton backs up Stafford in blog, not just on field
DrewStanton.com - Blog: Time to execute
DetroitLions.com - Limited in practice
FreeP.com - Lions QB Stafford still recovering from knee injury
FreeP.com - Stafford gaining experience, pick by pick
FreeP.com - Lions QB Stafford: No feud with Megatron
Fanhouse.com - Injuries to Watch: Week 10
DetroitLions.com - Stafford's Second Go-Round
CBSSports - Rapid reports
KansasCity.com - NFL Preview - Detroit (1-7) at Minnesota (7-1)
DetroitLions.com - Video: Locker Room Interviews

Stafford does not use injury as an excuse

Matthew is not using his knee injury as an excuse for the interceptions against Seattle. When asked if the injury had had an effect in his performance he said, "No. Not at all."

Matthew has updated his NameDrop blog. He talks about the team's attitude in the lockerroom, his mistakes during the Seattle game, and his lack of winter clothes.

Rotowire.com - Matthew Stafford: Still Not 100 Percent
MLive.com - Learning curve remains steep for Lions rookie quarterback Matthew Stafford
DetNews.com - Mike O'Hara: Lions, fans need patience with Stafford
DetNews.com - Matthew Stafford enduring rookie woes with Lions
Sporting News - Lions-Vikings Preview

Lions 'showing both talent and youth'

DetroitLions.com - Lions Show Benefits and Struggles of Having Young Talent
DetNews.com - Schwartz on Stafford's rough day: It's not all him
MLive.com - For Lions and their fans, here's hoping quarterback Matthew Stafford is playing hurt
ESPN.com - How I See It: NFC North Stock Watch
AJC.com - Countdown: Stafford-C.J. tiff, Sosa’s face and D-Hall’s pal
DetroitLions.com - Turnovers Contribute to Loss at Seattle
Fanhouse.com - Fantasy Football Cut-N-Go: Tiff Between Johnson and Stafford Overblown

Tuesday update

It's only Tuesday, and the week already feels interminable with all the negative press. I thought about not updating the blog because of that, but if I don't update after a loss then I won't be updating very often since the Lions are struggling to get in the winning track. But this blog is about Matthew and not the Lions, so I'll keep posting about Matthew's career even if he struggles. I'm not a fair-weather fan.

Apparently, there's a rumour going on that there's a rift between Matthew and WR Calvin Johnson. It seemed like they had a chilly exchange during the game, but according to Johnson and head coach Jim Schwartz there's no issue between the players. My theory is that Matthew probably told Calvin on the sidelines that Tech was going to lose to Georgia this year. LOL (Just kidding Tech fans)

Associated Press - Calvin Johnson denies feud with Matt Stafford
FreeP.com - Lions' Johnson: There's no fissure with QB Stafford
DetNews.com - Calvin Johnson: I'm fine with Matthew Stafford
MLive.com - Lions' Matthew Stafford goes from hero to fallen in loss to Seahawks
MLive.com - Lions' Calvin Johnson downplays sideline rift with quarterback Matthew Stafford
FreeP.com - Stafford-Johnson reunion fails to generate spark
FreeP.com - Stafford's accuracy is a concern, but there's still time
MLive.com - Tom Kowalski on 'The Point After': Detroit Lions' loss to Seattle Seahawks all on Matthew Stafford
Morning Sun - PAT CAPUTO: Lions lost because Stafford was awful
DetNews.com - Upon further review: Lions vs. Seahawks
DetroitLions.com - Post-game quotes

Tough day in Seattle

It was a rough day in Seattle for Matthew. The day was going well during the first quarter of the game. Matthew threw two TDs early on to put the Lions up by 17, but then things didn't go as planned. Matthew ended up throwing 5 interceptions, including one that was returned for a TD. The Lions lost 32-20. It was a game to forget to say the least. Time to move on the next week's game.

NFL.com - Game Center
DetroitLions.com - Lions fall to Seahawks
MLive.com - Lions blow 17-point lead in 32-20 loss to Seahawks
DetNews.com - Seahawks 32, Lions 20: Only time will help woeful Lions
FreeP.com - Stafford throws five picks as Lions lose in Seattle
FreeP.com - Live blog: Stafford's 5th pick helps Seattle seal it
FreeP.com - Is Curry the one who got away?
FreeP.com - Big surprise? Only the gullible got their hopes up

Here're some photos from USPresswire, DetNews.com, MLive.com, DetroitLions.com, and NFL.com.

Video
DetroitLions.com - Stafford 7-yd TD pass
NFL.com - Game highlights

Strength in Numbers

FreeP.com - Lions' Big 3 to play Sunday Detroit at Seattle 4:05 p.m. Sunday, Fox
DetroitLions.com - Keys to Week 9 at Seattle
DetNews.com - Seahawks rookie LB Aaron Curry gets his shot against Lions
King5.com - Sinking Seahawks could always be worse
Victoria Advocate - Honeymoon's over for Matthew Stafford as Lions fans boo quarterback during loss
DetroitLions.com - Injury report

NFLPlayers.com

Seattle Seahawks week

Matthew and the Detroit Lions continue to prepare for the Seattle Seahawks. According to reports, Matthew has been limited in practice this week, but he expects to start this upcoming Sunday.

CBSSports.com - Rapid reports
Seattlepi.com - Lions' big guns should be ready for Seahawks
The News Tribune - Seahawks practice report
The Morning Sun - Stafford eager to bounce back this week
ProFootballWeekly.com - Booing Stafford a little misguided
MLive.com - We might as well add Matt Stafford to our list of defenses

University of Georgia's head coach Mark Richt talks about Matthew's recent visit to Georgia's practice.

Is it "Stupid Fan Week" or something?

It seems like it by the way some Lions "fans" have acted this week. After putting up with heckling fans at the game, now there's this.

Matthew has updated his NameDrop blog. He was on a roll today. He posted three times, and he usually posts about once a week.

Yahoo! Sports - Okay, who's booing Matthew Stafford?
Detroit News - Misdirection play by Lions
DetroitLions.com - Stafford Back Under Center
WJR - Matthew's weekly interview with Mitch Albom.

Lions LB Zach Follett's hit on Rams KR Danny Amendola made the NFL Network's Top 10 Plays of the Week. You can watch the hit and Matthew's reaction to it here.

Here's a video of Lions center Dominic Raiola giving some fans a piece of his mind after they heckled Matthew and other players. As you can see on the video, Matthew does a good job of ignoring them.


ESPN - Countdown Daily Huddle: NFC North
John Clayton on Fans vs. Stafford


Here's a fan-recorded video of Matthew's TD run against the Rams and the subsequent throw for the two-point conversion.

'They're not going to run me out of town'

MLive.com - Matthew Stafford on angry Lions' fans: 'They're not going to run me out of town'
CBSSports - Rapid Reports
Fanhouse - Dominic Raiola Wants Detroit Fans to Lay Off Matthew Stafford
Detroit Free Press - What the Lions said after the loss to the Rams
Detroit Free Press - Stafford, on hecklers: 'They’re not going to run me out of town'
ProFootballWeekly.com - Lions still not close to complete package offensively
Detroit News - Matthew Stafford appreciates Dominic Raiola's support

More from the Lions-Rams game

MLive.com - Dominic Raiola right to stick up for Lions rookie quarterback Matthew Stafford
Detroit News - Dominic Raiola confronts fans, defends Stafford
Detroit Free Press - Lions told Stafford to chuck ball out of bounds at end of half
Detroit News - Latest loss an embarrassment, even by Lions' standards
MLive.com - Grading the Lions

More photos from the Detroit Free Press.

Audio from the Detroit News
Lions' Dominic Raiola on defending Matthew Stafford
Lions' Matthew Stafford on the offense's problems

Lions fall to Rams

Matthew did start against the Rams today, but his team did not fare well. The Lions lost 17-10. Matthew was 14 of 33 for 168 yards, an interception and a rushing TD.

DetroitLions.com - Lions fall short
NFL.com - Game cente
CBSSports - Rapid Reports
MLive.com - Lions beaten by winless Rams, 17-10, after late rushing TD and fake field goal
DetNews.com - Lions fall to lowly Rams
FreeP.com - Blech! Lions upset by lowly Rams' late TD
Rotoworld.com - Matthew Stafford: Stafford scores rushing touchdown in Week 8

Photos
DetroitLions.com - First half, second half
Detroit News
NFL.com
USPresswire

Video
DetroitLions.com - Highlights, 38-yard catch, TD run,

Will Stafford play on Sunday?

That's the $64,000.00 question. Head coach Jim Schwartz said that Matthew had made significant progress with his injury, and that it's going to be a game-time decision if he would play on Sunday.

DetNews.com - Lions' Matthew Stafford moves closer to start vs. Rams
ESPN - Physical therapist Stephania Bell's blog
DetroitLions.com - Rookie Class has Looked Good Thus Far