Franchise Quarterback?

The Detroit Lions made a dramatic comeback last week against the Browns. After being down 24-3 after the first quarter, the Lions tied it up in the second quarter. At halftime the Lions were down 27-24. The Lions defense turned it up in the second half, giving up just 11 points the rest of the way. But the most impressive part of the win was the final drive.

Down 37-31 with 1:46 left, the Lions needed a touchdown to win. Stafford led the ball downfield and had just 8 seconds left to heave the ball in the endzone. Stafford scrambled, avoided tacklers, and somehow stayed alive. As he threw the ball, Cleveland Browns defensive lineman C.J. Mosley drilled Stafford. Pass incomplete...but wait...pass interference on the defense. One more play. But can Stafford throw the ball? After being clobbered, Stafford got up holding his non-throwing shoulder. It looked like a separated shoulder. He heads to the sidelines. As Culpepper comes on the field, he gets in the huddle and brings the team to the line of scrimmage. What! Time out Cleveland? What are they thinking? Culpepper hasn't thrown a pass in a game in weeks. And when he did, he looked terrible. Oh wait; I can't believe what I'm seeing! Stafford is back on the field! He brings the team to the line of scrimmage. Stafford back, looks. Touchdown! Touchdown Pettigrew! Stafford looks to the sidelines and says, "I think it's separated" referring to his shoulder. Kick is up, it's good. Lions win!

This drive showed leadership from Stafford. This could be the beginning of a great career or a story for him to tell his co-workers at Target, after 4yrs in the league. If you have not seen the final drive, I suggest you click this link. Enjoy! It's brought chills.