Stafford: 'I've Got as Much Juice as I've Ever Had'
The wear and tear of playing NFL football can take a toll on just about anyone.
To compound the issue for Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford is the constant disappointment experienced season after season in playing for a losing franchise.
During Detroit's Week 4 contest with the Saints, many analysts observed Stafford's demeanor, and noticed a subtle change to the normally fiery competitor.
Among the analysts to comment on Detroit's franchise passer was ESPN NFL analyst Dan Orlovsky, who said he's observed a noticeable change in the quarterback's demeanor through the first four games.
“Matthew’s my boy, and I love him like a family member. But, it feels like they’ve taken his killer instinct away. He used to be this killer. He’s been beat up for so long -- 12 years now -- he’s got to be so sick and tired of losing," Orlovsky told Pat McAfee during a recent appearance on McAfee's SiriusXM Radio show.
When asked Wednesday during a video conference, Stafford dismissed the notion that he had lost his killer instinct.
"I feel like I've got as much juice as I've ever had. I'm fighting tooth and nail every week to try and go win. Sometimes it happens. And obviously, this year hasn't happened enough for us. But, no, I still love playing this game, I still love going out there and competing. Do I hate losing? Absolutely. Does it piss me off and frustrate me just like everybody else in this locker room? Absolutely. But, when we're in the game, there's nothing more important than trying to win to me," Stafford explained.
Stafford demonstrated his competitiveness when he was made aware that he had yet to ever throw a touchdown pass against Detroit's Week 6 opponent, the Jacksonville Jaguars.
In 12 NFL seasons, Stafford has thrown a touchdown pass against every team beside for Jacksonville.
"Yeah, that needs to happen for sure. I need to make that happen. Yeah, it would be great. I'd love to have that on the tombstone one day or something," Stafford smiled, as he closed out his weekly media session.
Reaching out to Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott
When Prescott went down with a horrible ankle injury this past Sunday, several members of the NFL community reached out to show their support.
Fans, former coaches and all who witnessed the gruesome injury have wished Prescott a healthy and speedy recovery.
That list also includes Stafford, who reached out through former Lions quarterback and current Cowboys offensive coordinator Kellen Moore.
"What happened was horrible. I felt so bad for him. He's playing so great. He's been playing great for a few years now. I was watching the game live. Looked down for a second. Looked back up, and it did not look good. I just felt so bad for him," Stafford said. "I know that if anybody is going to come back from that, it's that guy. He's an incredible guy, and obviously a great player as well. I don't have his cell phone number. Obviously, you guys know I know Kellen (Moore). I texted Kellen, and was like, 'Make sure you pass on my best wishes to Dak (Prescott) and all that'. I just felt terrible for him. I know Andy (Dalton) will come in, and do a great job for him."
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