October 13, 2009

Last week was the most action I have seen in a long time during the week of preparation.  I felt like if called upon, I could have gone in and had success.  Part of my responsibility to this team, whether I am second or third string, is to be ready if called upon.  That takes a lot of focus and professionalism to prepare as a starter, when in all likelihood you will not get in.  But I look forward to the time my number is called and I get a chance to go in and help the team in a victory. That is what keeps me motivated every week.

Another part of my job description is to run the other team’s offense and try to emulate the other quarterback.  This past week was obviously Ben Roethlisberger, which meant I had to move around a lot and try to create throws downfield.  He is known for holding the ball and making big plays to his explosive wide receivers.  Doing all that work and not having any swelling in my knee assured me that I was now 100%.  I am very happy to know that my knee has the strength in it to endure any playing time I might get this year.  Unfortunately, that was not the case for Matthew, although he seems like he will be good to go this week. 

It seems there is never a dull week in the life of a Detroit Lions football player, and we have yet another couple interesting storylines as we head to Green Bay for a divisional game.  I am very happy with the fact that we are not playing there the last game of the year and I will actually be able to feel my fingers this year.  Also, we brought back one of the best teammates I have ever had and quite possibly the most underrated wide receiver I have ever met, my boy John Standeford.  And yes, I am very bias and I know it. 

One final thought...

GO STATE!!!!!  I am so glad that we beat Michigan again this year, but know that beating Illinois meant more.  Historically, there might have been a trap the Spartans would have fallen into after a huge win, but Dantonio and company did not allow it to happen.  That makes me very proud of the direction the program is headed.

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