Detroit Lions Quarterback Matthew Stafford played with a broken back

Remember early on in his career many people repeatedly called Detroit Lions first overall pick a “China Doll” because he was often injured?  Well, he’s been nothing short of an iron man since, in fact, last season he played the final four weeks of the season with broken bones in his back.

Yes, Matthew Stafford finished the year with a less than impressive supporting cast with multiple broken bones in his back.  If you recall, he was on the injury report late in the year with a back issue, but the severity of the injury was unknown.  The NFL injury report is vague, to begin with especially in New England where head coach Matt Patricia came from, perhaps the first year head coach is continuing that trend here with the Detroit Lions.

One of our regular valued readers posted a #StaffordStrong post on twitter.  I immediately thought that was flawlessly fitting especially this past Winter.  Kelly Stafford underwent brain surgery to have a tumor removed.  Many different people go through many various obstacles over the course of their life.  I’m sure many of you that are reading this have had a severe injury, complicated surgeries, or a close call.  I feel for you, and I’m thrilled you are here to read this.

But what a Winter for the starting quarterback of the Detroit Lions.  It’s terrific that Kelly is doing well in her recovery.  Brain surgery absolutely qualifies as #StaffordStrong.  Now, this report of Matt playing with multiple broken bones in his back is absurd.

The Lions offensive line wasn’t playing at the caliber they should have been playing last year.  The injury to T.J Lang left a hole at right guard.  The Detroit Lions traded away Golden Tate, Marvin Jones was placed on IR.  Kerryon Johnson was shut down, the Detroit Lions were well out of playoff contention, yet Matt Stafford trekked on with a broken back?  Are you kidding me?

In an article published on Mlive.com, Kyle Meinke wrote, Mike O’Hara a senior writer with the Detroit Lions along with GM Bob Quinn explain;

"“He had a broken back last year,” Mike O’Hara, a longtime veteran of the Lions beat who currently writes for the team’s official website, said during a recent episode of his weekly podcast with WJR’s Ken Brown. “Broken bones in his back.”He went through numerous things where he wanted to play through it and our doctors said he could play through it,” general manager Bob Quinn said back in January. “He showed a lot of toughness. That’s a credit to him. That’s one thing I’ll never, ever question. This guy loves football, he’s competitive, he’s talented. We need to do a better job of putting better players around him and scheming up things better to use his talent.”"

In 2009, Matt Stafford’s rookie season the 21-year old played in ten games posting a 53% completion percentage to go with his 13 touchdowns and 20 interceptions.  He was the first overall pick landing in a less than ideal situation.  The following year Stafford played in a mere three games.  If you recall, the speculation began to swirl about Matt.  Would he ever be able to remain healthy?  This is the first overall pick?  He’s played thirteen games in two years.

Since then he’s silenced his haters regarding his health and willingness to play hurt.  He hasn’t missed a single start since his second year in the league.  He’s an iron man, that’s eight straight NFL seasons with a below average supporting cast besides Calvin Johnson of course for most of the time–well until most recently.

The war horse is expected to thrive this year in Detroit with a host of talented players surrounding him.  The offensive line makes me nervous, especially the left guard position.  The team has moved Frank Ragnow from LG back to his college position of center where he’s thrived.  He has the potential to be a pro bowler this season playing center.  Graham Glasgow can play multiple positions but had settled into the center spot but appears to be destined to start at RG.  This leaves question marks about who will start at LG.

Marvin Jones, Kenny Golladay, Jesse James, Kerryon Johnson, C.J Anderson, T.J. Hockenson, Danny Amendola & Jermaine Kearse will surround Matt Stafford with the best supporting cast as an entire group he’s ever had.  Expect #StaffordStrong to shock the NFC North this year; I expect him to have the most efficient year of his career.  Not statistically his best, but the best as an entire offense.