The Detroit Lions are trying different forms of rest for some of their players in hopes it results in some wins during the regular season. As for Matthew Stafford, he is appreciative of the days off that he is receiving during training camp.
Via Dave Birkett in the Detroit Free Press:
“I’m not 21 anymore, so it’s probably pretty good to, if you can find a place in the schedule where you think you can get some rest and just kind of feel fresh again, might as well,” Stafford said after the first of two joint practices Wednesday against the Houston Texans.
Stafford is entering his 11th season with the Lions and, at 31 years old, he realizes he isn't as spry as he once was. Therefore, the veteran quarterback cherishes any time he can rest his body for when the games are meaningful.
In Detroit's preseason opener, Stafford sat out entirely and he has missed nearly a week of practice due to rest. The plan for the Lions franchise quarterback to sit out of practice was planned weeks in advance.
Last year, Stafford had one of the worst years of his career with 3,777 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. It was the least amount of passing yards he has thrown since 2010—when he missed 13 games due to injury.
In Matt Patricia's first season as head coach, the offense sputtered—especially after the team trading wideout Golden Tate. Without Tate, Stafford had just 1,865 yards, seven touchdowns, and five interceptions in nine games.
Patricia is hoping his plan of resting players leads to the Lions getting their first playoff win since 1991.
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