In terms of the standings, the Detroit Lions had very little to play for during Sunday’s Week 16 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. After all, the Lions were 5-9 heading into the game having officially been eliminated from playoff contention after last week’s loss to the Buffalo Bills.
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Because of that, many Lions fans and media members believed it would be best if head coach Matt Patricia decided to rest Matthew Stafford for the remaining two games of the season. Even those wanting Stafford to play out the season [my hand is raised] would have understood if he did not play in the final two games as it is clear he is pretty banged up.
But Stafford did play on Sunday during a 27-9 loss to the Vikings, at least until the final two series of the game when he was benched in favor of backup, Matt Cassel.
As Cassel entered the game late in the fourth quarter, many of the fans in attendance at Ford Field cheered loudly.
Following the game, Stafford was asked about the fans cheering him being benched but he gave a very Stafford-esque response, indicating that he could care less.
Matthew Stafford has message for Detroit Lions’ fans who cheered him being benched
Patricia was asked about why he made the decision to remove Stafford out of the game and he said he felt it was the right move.
“Just at the end of the game there, with the score and the situation and the clock and where it was, I just thought that was the right decision,” Patricia said.
Stafford, who completed 18 of 32 passes for a measly 116 yards and no touchdowns said he just wants to win football games and that he’s disappointed.
“I just want to win games, and when you don’t do it, it’s frustrating,” Stafford said. “We put a lot of work into it. I know the coaches, players, all of the support staff puts a ton of work into this. They don’t just roll the ball out there on Sunday and hope for the best. So any time you put a lot of work in and a lot of hours in and a lot of time into something that doesn’t turn out the way you want, it’s disappointing.”
The Lions’ final game of the season will be played next Sunday in Green Bay against the Packers.
