Matthew Stafford went down again and I, like most people, wasn't surprised. This time he wasn't even hit. After watching him fall and immediately go for his shoulder I turned away in disgust. He was tripped. That's it, tripped. Despite Stafford's fragile frame we may be over looking the most important injury that took place on Sunday. Jason Hanson wasn't able to play and because of that the Lion's potential four point lead turned into a three point lead. Look, I know the big fella played a little soccer but is he really our best option to kick an extra point? Don't we have a punter? Correct me if I'm wrong (pretty sure I'm not) but aren't you still allowed to drop kick an extra point? Why not give Nick Harris a shot or at least call a time out to let Ndamukong Suh kick a few more times into the net? I guess we'll never know.
Let's get back to Stafford. His feeble shoulder has become a huge problem for the Lions. There is no doubt he is talented enough to be the starting quarterback this franchise has coveted for decades but will he ever be able to stay on the field? Whether he returns next week against the Bills or next season he will have plenty of critics and I'll be one of them. If he had the durability of ...eh....Brett Favre (if you know me you know that it kills me to credit Favre for anything because I hate him) he may have pro bowl potential for years to come. However, any time there is even a slight pass rush my heart will more than likely skip a beat or two. The Lions just need to let him heal, send him to the weight room (emphasis on shoulders and arms), and institute a no touch rule for him. No chest bumps, or high fives especially because of the obvious danger potential and clear the lockers on each side of his just to make sure there is no accidental bumping. All kidding aside I think Matthew Stafford has the ability and talent to take the Lions into the playoffs in the very near future. Now he just has to show us he can stay on the field.
