Detroit Lions' Matthew Stafford "Okay" After Benching And Not Everyone Thinks He Assassinated JFK
By Danny Cox
This past Sunday, the Detroit Lions lost a fifth straight game as the Arizona Cardinals demolished them 42-17. The game also brought about the benching of starting quarterback Matthew Stafford in the middle of the third quarter and Dan Orlovsky taking over for him. It's been a rough start to the season, but things appear to be calming down as a time of desperation is setting in.
After being benched by Lions head coach Jim Caldwell, it was thought that there would be some kind of animosity between coach and quarterback. It appears though as if their relationship is "good" and that Stafford is ready to "move on" after speaking twice with Caldwell.
"We had a couple of discussions, which you have to do," Caldwell said Wednesday. "You better have some communication with that guy, particularly as a head coach with the quarterback. So he and I sat down and we talked. He'll be fine."
Stafford has also said that there are no issues with anyone on the coaching staff and that includes offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi. On Sunday, the Lions will welcome the Chicago Bears into Detroit and look to stop being the only team in the NFL without a victory this season. When they head out onto the field, Stafford will be the starting quarterback and he will attempt to lead them to a win which is so desperately needed. The confidence of Stafford is still high and he's ready to play.
"Right where it's always been, honestly," Stafford said. "Can't say it wasn't frustrating and it wasn't difficult. There's no question on that. But confidence in my ability to play? I've never lost that."
On another hand, there are some interesting comments going around about Stafford in regards to him and the assassination of former President John Fitzgerald Kennedy.
Last week, Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Michael Bennett said that he was not fond of Stafford and he has a specific reason that he does hold against him.
Bennett said, "I don't like Matt Stafford that much. He's from Dallas, they killed the President. It's where JFK, one of the greatest Presidents, died so I just have a little hatred towards him."
Bennett's brother Martellus, tight end for the Chicago Bears, said that he is not like his brother and doesn't believe that JFK's assassination should be held against Stafford, a Dallas native. Martellus also said that no-one should even listen to his brother and that "Stafford probably wasn't even born yet." As a matter of fact, Stafford was born in February of 1988 while Kennedy was shot and killed in November of 1963.
With that, everyone is moving onto football and this weekend's games. The Detroit Lions are hoping that Matthew Stafford can lead them to their first victory of the season while Martellus Bennett and the Chicago Bears will look to keep them with a goose egg in the win column.
Danny Cox knows a little something about the NFL, whether it means letting you know what penalty will come from the flag just thrown on the field or quickly spouting off who the Chicago Bears drafted in the first round of the 1987 draft (Jim Harbaugh). He plans on bringing you the best news, previews, recaps, and anything else that may come along with the exciting world of the National Football League. Danny is a freelance writer covering all things NFL. His work can be found on Examiner.com.