I’m sure everyone has found out by now that Matt Millen has been fired, even those who know nothing about football are aware and all are happy. 

Matt Millen was nothing but a first-class man from the day I met him.  They made the move last night, but waited until this morning to announce it.  I went in there today to work out and watch some film, and actually found out on 95.5 FM when I was listening on the way in. 

His office was all boxed up and I passed him in the hallway.  I thanked him for drafting me and believing in me.  I remember he would constantly stop me in the hall and ask how I was doing and numerous times told me how excited he was for me to get out onto the field. He seemed in good spirits this morning, all things considered, and I wish him nothing but the best.

So, back to why I went in today in the first place, which was to work out. Coach Loeffler likes to use film analysis to break down my drops and throwing mechanics.  This really has helped me understand my drop better and actually see what is occurring and try to correct it afterwards.  I have had a lot of success, as I feel I am a visual learner.  We videotaped yesterday, so today we went in and broke it down frame-by-frame to see areas I need to improve.  He uses four different angles of footage throughout my drop to analyze each aspect and areas that need improvement. 

Right away we found something that needed to be changed, that could dramatically increase the velocity on my ball.  I thought I just felt off because I could not grip the ball with all my strength, but after making this adjustment the ball was coming out today as good as it ever has.  Something so small can make all the difference in the world in being more efficient in your drop.

I really like working with Scot because he presents information in a way that I can digest it and make it my own.  I was really excited about correcting that and knowing that my thumb is all back to normal.  We strictly filmed throws to my right, as throwing to the left is a completely different body positioning.

Of course, that is what I will be filming tomorrow.  We will film all of the same throws from those different angles to my left and then break the film down the next day. 

My bye week is different from the majority of the other players, who escape to nice destinations or their other homes.  I plan on staying here in town and relaxing, plus getting organized around my house with all the down time.  I will continue to go into the facility every day and get my thumb stronger along with running, lifting and throwing, but of course much later than usual.  I am really looking forward to a Saturday filled with nothing but me sitting on the couch watching college football from sunup ’til sundown.  Seeing the Spartans improve to 4-1 and hoping for a Badger victory.  Then waking up Sunday, going to church and doing the same thing all over again. 

After that, we are in it for the long haul, and my mind will be fresh for 13 more grueling weeks.

Drew Stanton is a quarterback with the Detroit Lions. His blog for playerpress.com runs regularly at www.drewstanton.com.