For the first time in 136 games, the Detroit Lions did not have quarterback Matthew Stafford under center. He missed his first game since 2011 this Sunday against the Chicago Bears with a back injury.
Quarterback Jeff Driskel started in Stafford’s place, and went 27-46 for 269 yards and a touchdown as the Lions fell 20-16.
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Afterwards, Driskel commented on the advantage he had simply by having Stafford on the sidelines and advising him following every possession.
“I think his presence is huge,” Driskel said following the game. “He’s the unquestioned leader of this team and one of the toughest dudes I’ve ever been around, most competitive people I’ve ever been around. So yeah, having his presence there was huge, not just for me but for the whole team. So yeah, it was awesome to have him there and he had my back just like I have his back when he’s out there.”
Driskel then commented on knowing it must have been tough on Stafford to not be playing, but that his reputation as a leader is well-founded.
“Yeah, I’m sure it was tough, everybody wants to be out there competing on the field and he’s done it for a long time at a high level, don’t know the exact number of starts that he’s had in a row, but it’s definitely up there. I think it’s since 2011 he hasn’t missed a start. It’s just a testament to him as a person, as a teammate and a competitor.”
The Lions host the Dallas Cowboys this weekend, and so far, no update has been provided as to who will start for Detroit.
