Tag: Matthew Stafford

Lions QB Matthew Stafford says no back surgery, no lingering issues

May lead league in forced situations in practice

ALLEN PARK — Matthew Stafford hasn’t played a snap in the first two preseason games, but it apparently has nothing to do with his back which he injured late last season.

On Monday the Detroit Lions quarterback said he had no offseason surgery and is not doing extra rehab for the back. 

“I’m just practicing. I do a little core routine,’’ Stafford said. “I feel good. When they tell me to go play I’ll play, I’ve played a lot of football …whenever coach tells me to go play I’ll play.’’

Stafford and the Lions were back at it on Monday after taking a break after their second preseason game — a 30-23 loss at the Houston Texans on Saturday night.

Stafford said there’s no definitive time on how much he wants to — or should — play in the preseason games.  After all, he faces “live bullets” every day at camp.

“We probably lead the league in forced situations in practice, I would imagine we do,’’ Stafford said. “We do 2-point plays in the middle of practice — two-minute, a random fourth-and-8 where you have to throw it in there no matter what, all that kind of stuff,’’ Stafford said. “We’re put in situations all over the place at any given moment in practice and it’s good to practice it and force yourself to be aware of those situations when they come up.’’

He was positive about the two sessions of joint practices they had in the last few weeks with the Patriots and Texans. 

“I don’t prefer either way, to be honest with you but I know the work we get in those practices is great,’’ Stafford said. “Really able to push our limits schematically to see what’s working and what’s not.’’

It’s difficult to evaluate just where the offense is with new coordinator and after two preseason losses.

“I think we still have a lot of things to clean up, a lot of details, as does every team in the preseason,’’ Stafford said. “I’ve been a part of some preseasons where I feel like we were lighting it up on offense and maybe the season didn’t go that way. And I’ve felt the opposite and you know we were struggling to put points up, then you go put a lot of points up in the season.

“The biggest thing is we have a great group of guys pushing to get better every day. Whether you have a great preseason or you don’t  or a great week 1, it’s all got to be pushing toward peaking at the right time.’’

The Lions host the Buffalo Bills on Friday night at Ford Field for their third preseason contest. Typically starters see the most time in the third preseason game, but there’s no guarantee Stafford will play on that night.

Detroit Lions camp: Rookie tight end T.J. Hockenson impressive early

ALLEN PARK — Tight end T.J. Hockenson’s catches deep in the corner of the end zone have been among the highlights during the first two days of Detroit Lions training camp.

Even his teammates appreciate it — hooting and hollering for the rookie each time he brings in a ball thrown by Matthew Stafford.

The first-round pick takes his early stand-out plays in stride.

“We’re all just trying to have fun out here. I’m just trying to have fun playing the game I love, being able to do it with these guys means a lot,’’ Hockenson said. “This group of veterans has taken you in really well, they’ve accepted me as part of this team and I’m super excited to get started.’’

If the first two days of camp are any indication, this could be a very tight-end friendly offense under new coordinator Darrell Bevell.

Hockenson doesn’t put more pressure on himself because he’s a first-round pick. Like each and every one of the Lions he repeats the mantra that he just wants to get better every day.

“He knows that he has a lot to earn and he’s got a long way to go, but he is a hard worker. He loves the game. The guy’s got a great attitude, the guy just loves the grind and the passion of the game,’’ coach Matt Patricia said. “So, you take it, you work with it, you go forward, and he’s got a skill set that hopefully we got to see out on the field. He’s got to go out there and do it consistently and do it every single day.”

Hockenson, who is 6-foot-5, is one six tight ends on the camp roster. All of them are new to the Lions this season, although Logan Thomas (6-foot-6) and Jesse James (6-foot-7) bring years of NFL experience. 

“It’s competition in camp, we have such a great tight end room. Logan and everyone in that group has been great, they’ve accepted us they’ve done everything that I can ask,’’ Hockenson said. “They’ve taught us things that a rookie wouldn’t normally see. It’s nice to be with that group of guys.’’

Hockenson repeatedly mentioned how the intelligence level is so much higher than it was in college (Iowa).

“The defense can see a formation one time and know the play. You have to be smarter than the 10-year vet that is in front of you,’’ Hockenson said. “Being a rookie you have to come in and study and work at it, that’s what we’re all trying to do, that’s what I’m trying to do.’’

Tight end is traditionally one of the hardest positions to learn as a rookie requiring that they know how to catch and also block for the run game. Hockenson said it’s all a challenge.

“It’s the next level. Everything is faster, everything is more dynamic, everyone is smarter, it’s different,’’ Hockenson said. “I’m coming to work every day trying to take that next step and get better every single day.’’

Detroit Lions training camp: Danny Amendola out to develop his role

ALLEN PARK — Danny Amendola’s challenge is finding where he best fits in the Detroit Lions’ new-look offense.

“I’m trying to develop a role on this team and I’m trying to expand that role as much as I can, do whatever I can to help the team win in whatever capacity that is. That’s why I’m here,’’ the 33-year-old said on Thursday.

Amendola  played in 15 games for the Miami Dolphins last season with 59 receptions and a touchdown. The previous five seasons he spent with the New England Patriots where he got to know Matt Patricia who was the defensive coordinator.

“He’s tough man, he demands a lot, he expects a lot, he has high expectations. I knew that coming here that’s why I wanted to come here, he’s a great coach,’’ Amendola said. 

Patricia obviously thinks highly of him too.

“I think just in general you’ve got to love Danny Amendola, you’ve got to love everything he brings every single day,’’ Patricia said on Friday. “He’s probably one of the most intense people you’re going to talk to. When you’re passionate about the game of football like we all are and like he is passion breeds passion … 

“He’s like everybody else he’s got a lot of work to do to improve. But as far as a person he’s a football guy, he loves the game, he loves being around the guys, loves every aspect of it. All of that energy is contagious and that’s great to be around all the time,’’ the coach said.

The veteran wide receiver — he is 33 —  been working overtime with Matthew Stafford to develop a rapport.

“Anytime we’re able to get together we try to get as many reps as we can is possible. We’re out here right now trying to steal as many reps, before practice, after practice, in the weight room,’’ he said. “We’re always talking about ideas, trying to get better.’’

Amendola, who wears No. 80, was among those returning punts in training camp on Thursday.

During the spring Marvin Jones and Kenny Golladay were sidelined with injuries which gave Amendola more reps with Stafford.

“It’s great to have them back they’re two explosive players and I’m happy to be playing with them,’’ Amendola said. “I’m excited to be it he huddle with them.’’

He’s not the only veteran wide receiver signed as a free agent. Jermaine Kearse has also been added to the roster.

Amendola also has the utmost respect for Stafford.

“Exceptional. He’s up there with the best I’ve been with,’’ Amendola said. “Extremely cerebral player, he can anticipate and he’s been doing it for a long time at an extremely high level so I’m excited to be here with him.’’