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.
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
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
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
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
