Matthew Stafford Thread - Year 13 Rejuvenated in LA?

[Risky bidness]

Per Gil Brandt:

DALLAS — After participating in players-only workouts last week with his Detroit Lions teammates, quarterback Matthew Stafford returned to his native Dallas. I saw him while working out the other day at a local school … and I barely recognized him.

From the waist up, Stafford looked like an offensive lineman. From the waist down, he had the legs of a wide receiver. In other words, not only is he fully recovered from the shoulder injury that sidelined him much of the 2010 season, but he also has gotten himself into phenomenal shape.

Fans have been worried about Stafford’s health. From what I’ve seen, there’s nothing to worry about. Stafford looked great throwing passes in 100-degree weather down here in Texas. And afterward, Stafford told me he felt very positive about the practices that took place in Detroit.

Stafford said he liked what he saw from both of Detroit’s second-round draft picks — WR Titus Young and RB Mikel LeShoure. Both rookies were at the practice last week and Stafford said both looked good catching the ball.

Stafford has shown total dedication this offseason, and he appears determined to have a breakout season.


I'm counting as Stafford as my QB2 so him getting his body more NFL ready is a positive sign and something I said needed to happen for him to succeed.

I hope is is who I think he is!

[Shawn]

Looks promising for sure!! The report about him looking like an offensive lineman from the waist up is a bit troubling though, as I remember hearing that about Brady Quinn a few years ago, and how too much bulking up seemed to screw him up as a quarterback. He'll have to show he can stay healthy over a full season, but the report looks good

[seahawks506]

having O-lineman upper body is supposed to be good for a QB?

[Risky bidness]

having O-lineman upper body is supposed to be good for a QB?

I think the comment was meant to mean he bulked up enough to withstand the rigors of the NFL.

[bigcsr67]

having O-lineman upper body is supposed to be good for a QB?

the O-line physique helped Stan Humpheries lead the Chargers to the superbowl back in the mid '90s!

[seahawks506]

I think I read somewhere that the cause of his shoulder injuries had something to do with what he was doing in the pocket, while we're talking about Stafford's durability.

[Biggcmo]

Im high on Stafford and feel that he will break out in a big way this year. I feel the Lions are doing the right thing as an organization as far as building a contender. If only the O=Line can give him sum protection...

[haydn239]

Alot of upside and great buy low potential or take late in a start up draft. He's got the arm of an elite QB with an emerging team like that of TB. Skye's the limit...just needs to stay healthy!

[ekassor]

I wouldn't take him as my qb1 but he's a decent stash behind a top 7 qb

[GrillMeister]

having O-lineman upper body is supposed to be good for a QB?

If only the O=Line can give him sum protection...

Well, if Stafford's bulked up enough to be a O-lineman, maybe he can protect himself. He'd still be better than Backus.

[seahawks506]

Jared Lorenzen anyone?

[yumbo]

I wouldn't want to be counting on him as my #1 QB, but as a back up, he would be fine. Of course, that assumes he will be healthy, which is no easy task for him.

I think I read on Rotoworld that Stafford doesn't step up into the pocket enough when the pass rush is coming and the reslts have been that he is taking tremendous hits. Hits that could be avoided if he stepped up in the pocket further. I believe it said that he just doesn't have that instinct yet.

[tstafford]

I drafted him using the 1.10 in 2009 and finally cut him last year. We only roster 20 players and Stafford forced me to carry 3QB the entire time I owned him. That's a real handicap. I'm sure he'll break out now that I cut him. But for me, I'd only want him as a QB2 behind one of the top guys who rarely misses games (e.g. Manning/Brady/Brees).

[hosler427]

Jared Lorenzen anyone?

THANK YOU!!! No one gives the hefty lefty enough credit

As far as Stafford goes I don't think you can say you are "counting on him" unless he is your QB1. The only way I would have him is if I had a solid, durable QB1 and I would still look for another vet as a QB3. He is a decent gamble if you have the coverage though. I also agree with Shawn that the "offensive lineman from the waist up" is disturbing in a Quinn kinda way.

[DynastyKing]

I think I read somewhere that the cause of his shoulder injuries had something to do with what he was doing in the pocket, while we're talking about Stafford's durability.

Exactly. Detroit added some great weapons in Titus Young and LeShoure but still failed to address the offense's greatest flaw. The Lions' O-line is as equally awful as its D-line is stellar. Until they give Stafford some protection up front, I will not go into a season relying on the young QB.

IMO Stafford has a better shot to play 16 games in 2012, and that's only if they can fix the O-line holes next offseason.