August 10, 2009

At this point I find myself getting into the groove of camp.  The schedule has become memorized, as the muscle soreness has began to subside.  I have once again become accustomed to early mornings that end with late nights, which is nothing different from any other August; but this year I would not have it any other way. 

This year is my year to prove myself, and I take that approach every day I step foot on the practice field.  I go out with the mindset of completing every pass and learning every single day.  There are times I might not be the one taking the actual repetition, but I am getting that rep mentally.  Playing this position is all about having answers, and if I don't have the answer, I am going to find someone who does. 

And perhaps the best part about this season is I actually have multiple people I feel comfortable going to for those answers.  Going to work my first two years is something I did not necessarily look forward to, as I have stated before, but now I cannot wait for the next practice to arrive.  It might have to do with the fact that I am actually getting reps this year and can feel myself improving, which adds to my excitement.

Or simply because football is once again fun. 

At this level it is truly a chess match, and I feel as if we have all the tools on our team to win every match we are in.  Now, do not misconstrue that with me saying we are going 16-0, because as I have said before I do not make predictions like that.  But I honestly believe we have many more pieces around here than in my two years past, so the reason for optimism is there and real.  It all starts with Coach Schwartz, who has learned from some of the best, and it is very apparent in his preparation.  It never seems as if the day is dragging on too long or I am going to fall a sleep in a meaningless meeting.  He values our time, which is tremendous, and gets us off our feet when needed. 

I cannot wait for Saturday to arrive and to play against another opponent besides our own defense.  Look for more comments to come shortly following the game, and as always, thanks for reading.

Drew Stanton is a quarterback with the Detroit Lions. His blog for www.playerpress.com runs at www.drewstanton.com. Follow him on Twitter @drewstanton.