Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions Aiming to Part Ways

Detroit Lions quarterback, Matt Stafford, participating in charity event, Play Like a Lion Experience 2016 by A Healthier Michigan & Diddykong 1130; License: (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Well, what has long been talked about in Detroit is finally taking another step toward reality. Longtime Detroit Lions franchise QB Matthew Stafford and the team have mutually agreed to part ways. The team announced they will actively be exploring trade options for the man they took 1st overall in the 2009 NFL Draft.

Stafford was the Lions’ savior out of the University of Georgia after the 2008 version of the team became the first team in NFL history to go 0-16. The Lions have made the playoffs three times in Stafford’s 12 seasons with the team (2011, 2014, and 2016), but they have never gotten past the Wildcard Round. Stafford will leave Detroit as the franchise’s all-time passing leader, throwing for 45,109 yards and 282 touchdowns with a career completion percentage of 62.6%. Stafford was selected to the Pro Bowl during the Lions’ 2014 playoff season.

Stafford has often been burdened by poor offensive line play and poor defense in the Motor City. Now, it will be interesting to see if new surroundings will give the gifted QB a chance in the playoffs. I’ve seen several possible landing spots for Stafford, including the San Francisco 49ers, the New Orleans Saints, the Chicago Bears, the Washington Football Team, the New England Patriots, and the Indianapolis Colts, among others. The 32-year-old should be a hot commodity on the trade market, as the Lions will likely demand significantly less return than the Houston Texans will for QB Deshaun Watson.

* All statistics via Pro Football Reference

#31: Horror Movie, FOX, and More

Horror Movie

This is insanely crazy timing. This movie just came out today. Evidently, it is about five, kidnapped carnival workers, who are forced to participate in a life or death game called ’31’, in which, they face multiple homicidal maniacs. I think I got the gist, but here’s the trailer in case you want to verify my summary. Even after watching the trailer, I haven’t the faintest idea as to why the game is called ’31’.

NFL Game Result

It just so happens, that one NFL team won by a score of 31-28, today. That team was the Detroit Lions, who defeated the Los Angeles Rams. The Lions are now 3-3 on the year, meaning they are significantly exceeding the expectations that I set for them. It seems to help QB Matthew Stafford to NOT have WR Calvin Johnson Jr anymore, because now Stafford doesn’t feel obligated to force the ball to Johnson, and he’s making better decisions. Anyway, Congrats Lions! You kicked the Rams right before they head to London to face my New York Giants. Thank you!

FOX

Interestingly enough, the FOX station here in Denver is FOX31. That’s kind of cool…I guess. For the record, FOX is my favorite of the primary networks. Not because of their political views, but because of their amazing TV shows, and the ease with which they allow viewers to stream football games online. Unlike other networks…(cough…cough…CBS…cough).

Here we go! The franchise ranked 31st in all-time winning percentage (as of 2012) is the…

Arizona Cardinals

All-Time Winning Percentage: 41.7%

Founded: 1920

All-Time Record: 501-700-39

This one surprised me. They’ve been pretty good recently. Then I remembered that they really hadn’t done anything until QB Kurt Warner showed up there to almost win them the Super Bowl in 2009. Despite the low franchise winning percentage, the franchise has one champion to hang on to: Pat Tillman. Pat Tillman gave up his career with the Cardinals to fight for the US Army in Afghanistan; He was killed in action by friendly fire. He is the most recent NFL athlete to have given his life for his country.

That’s all for TheHaysWay today, make sure to leave a comment on the horror movie (especially reviews if anyone has seen it) and/or on the Detroit Lions and/or on FOX and/or on the Arizona Cardinals, along with a much-appreciated like. If you are not yet a follower, become a follower to achieve unexpected success, like the Detroit Lions. 🙂 Have a pleasant tomorrow.