“Feeling good after throwing a lot yesterday” said Stafford on his Twitter account.
This is exceptional news for the Lions who are depending on their franchise quarterback to be completely healthy and ready to go when it is time to play football again. (whenever that may be) Stafford has had a rough go during his short NFL career, in which he has only started 13 games in 2 seasons.
In Stafford’s rookie campaign, he missed 6 games due to a knee and left shoulder injury. Even though he did have injury problems that season, he did show extreme toughness and courage during a game against the Cleveland Browns on Nov. 22 2009. After separating his left shoulder on the previous play, Stafford came back in for the final play and threw a TD to Brandon Pettigrew to win the game with no time remaining. This was a moment in which Stafford would gain the respect of not only Lions fans, but the whole National Football League and a moment I will never forget.Click this link...MUST SEE!
With hopes higher than ever to start the 2010 season, Stafford was bitten again by the injury bug. Stafford separated his throwing shoulder in the first game of the season, crushing all hopes of a promising season.
Stafford would sit for the next 6 weeks and would return week 8 against the Redskins. He would throw for 4 touchdowns in 37-25 win at Ford Field. Things were starting to look even better the next week as Stafford scored 3 TD’s and seemed to have the Jets beat. But, on a seemingly harmless play, Stafford simply fell on his right shoulder and separated it once again, ending his season.
Though only playing in 3 games last season, it was obvious that Stafford is an outstanding talent and will be the guy, who will lead the Lions back to glory. It all depends if he can stay healthy.
So, what are the chances of that happening…Pretty good in my opinion. Let me tell you why…
To be honest, I don’t think he was fully healed when he came back against the Skins. Yeah, he threw the ball well, but the shoulder obviously wasn’t completely healed if he can just fall on it and separate it again. The kid is obviously tough, but you just can’t play quarterback in the NFL with a separated throwing shoulder.
There have been players who have come back from shoulder injuries and have performed quite well. Drew Brees ring a bell? How about Sam Bradford? Both of their injuries were significantly worse and they have rebounded wonderfully.
Also, Dr. James Andrews, who is considered the best sports injury surgeons in the world, operated on Stafford’s shoulder. If that don’t put you at ease, I don’t know what will. Plus, Stafford will have much more time for his shoulder to heal this time. He can take it slow and be cautious.
So, to all of you who want to call Stafford a “china doll” try having a 290 pound monster drive your shoulder into the ground and see how you hold up. All I ask, is that you to give the kid one more chance. If he gets injured again next year, I’ll agree that he’s injury prone. Until then, just have some faith and believe that something good will eventually happen for the Lions. I do!
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