Matthew Stafford – Page 8

Five things to watch as Lions face Titans

The Detroit Lions run defense will face one of its biggest tests when Detroit (5-8) plays at the TennesseeTitans (9-4) on Sunday.

Titans running back Derrick Henry leads the NFL in rushing and is a big reason the Titans have won three of their last four and sit atop the AFC South.

The Lions in their third game under interim coach Darrell Bevell look to bounce back after a home loss to the Packers.

Five things to watch:

1. Matthew Stafford didn’t practice until Friday and then it was on a limited basis. He is questionable to play due a rib injury that occurred late in Sunday’s game. He’s tough and if he can throw the ball and feel comfortable, expect to see him in the lineup. He said on Wednesday that he is not counting himself out. If he can’t go, backup Chase Daniel will be prepared after taking most of the snaps in practice throughout the week.

2. Center Frank Ragnow has been ruled out with damaged vocal cords. It’s uncertain who will start in his place. The center took a hit in the throat area which damaged his vocal chords on Sunday. The Lions are one banged up team. Wide receiver Kenny Golladay remains out while defensive lineman Da’Shawn Hand has been placed on injured reserve along with Jeff Okudah. Cornerback Daryl Roberts is out. Defensive tackle John Pensini is questionable.

3. The Lions’ defense is ranked 29th in the NFL against the run, allowing 132.8 rushing yards per game. The Titans have the second-best ground game (157.8 yards per game). Something’s got to give. Stopping Henry will be a huge test. “Critical that we start fast (on defense) in the run game, and then if we can get a ball off of (Henry), or if we can get an interception and kind of create a spark there early in the game, that will help us,’’ defensive coordinator Cory Undlin said. “You don’t want to get down early, because you’re just letting them do what they want to do, and that’s just (to) continue to run it and wear you out. Really, really good challenge.”

4. While the Titans’ offense revolves around Henry it’s not a one-man band. “Derrick Henry is the leader and that’s how they want to build the thing, and kind of the same thing that I’ve been preaching here is, when you have a solid run game in the way that they’re able to use him, it really opens up the explosions in the pass game in terms of play action and that kind of thing,’’ Bevell said. “Ryan Tannehill has done a great job for them. I know I said it, but Comeback Player of the Year and he’s still playing like that. A lot of weapons over there, and they can be explosive. Some of those explosives also come in the run game with those big, long runs by Henry as well.”

5. The Lions have about a 1-percent chance to make the playoffs and Bevell will take that. “So you’re saying there’s a chance, right? That’s why we play these games. We’re going to get them playing, and just like I said when I started this thing, this is an opportunity for all of us,’’ Bevell said. “It’s an opportunity for all of us, whether it’s going to be on this team, whether it’s another team – people are watching. They want to see how the Detroit Lions are going to be acting: if they’re just going to throw in the towel or if they’re going to keep fighting. If I have anything to say about it or these players do, we’re going to keep fighting – and 1 percent (chance to make the playoffs)? We’ll take it. I don’t even know if that’s right, but we’ll take it.”

PREDICTION: Titans 28, Lions 17

Lions Stafford to make trip; Bevell not counting him out vs. Titans

Matthew Stafford, who has not practiced all week due to injured ribs, will make the trip to Tennessee for Sunday’s game against the Titans.

It’s still uncertain whether the quarterback will start. It could come down to a workout on Sunday morning. Or not.

“He’s breathing really well, he’s better, he’s moving better. He’s feeling better how far that’s going to be we’ll see. You can’t really judge this because the guy is tough as nails,’’ interim coach Darrell Bevell said on Friday.

“I’ve had it before. (Brett) Favre was out 10 straight weeks, he was going to be out again, he walks in the day of the game and said, ‘I’m going.’ Guys like that, you give it to them and they go. So I feel like he’s in that same category (as Favre). He could walk in on Sunday and say, ‘I don’t care what anyone is saying, I’m going.’ So I’m going to let him go,’’ Bevell added.

Stafford injured his ribs — X-rays were negative — late in the loss to Green Bay.

“Sunday I didn’t feel good, I just wasn’t able to function. That was the biggest thing, I was spasming and locking up a little bit and I wasn’t able to throw, that’s basically what it boils down to,’’ Stafford said on Wednesday. “When I wasn’t able to do that, I felt like our best chance was to let Chase (Daniel) go out there and operate. I obviously don’t ever like coming off the field but I didn’t feel like I could help us any more.’’

Daniel finished the game and is preparing — like always — to start this week.

“Knowing (Stafford) he tries to play, there’s no doubt about it,’’ Daniel said. “The dude is one of the toughest dudes I’ve ever been around regardless of position.’’

For Stafford it seems rest, ice and heat is the best medicine this week. Not much else to do with ribs.

“I think it kind of boils down to being able to operate, go out there to throw it around, be able to feel good enough to know or at least give myself a good chance of finishing the game,’ Stafford said. “Don’t want it to be one of those things where you go out there and do something weird early and you’re out after the first series of the game. Not to say, you can take a big hit and who knows what could happen.’’

He said he wants to feel good enough to start the game and finish it at a high level.

Lions C Frank Ragnow fractures throat, doesn’t miss a snap against Packers

Want to talk toughness? Frank Ragnow, the Detroit Lions center, fractured his throat early in Sunday’s loss to Green Bay and finished the game.

The NFL Network first reported the injury on Wednesday, saying it occurred in the first quarter.

“I knew something was going on, but pretty crazy that he was able to finish the game with that,’’ said quarterback Matthew Stafford who didn’t finish the game due to injured ribs.

“He came up to me early in the game and was very hoarse and kind of feint sounding. (He said) I can’t really talk just to let you know. Just make sure you’re communicating with everybody up front even more so than I normally would,’’ Stafford said. “It was kind of crazy but it was good. We didn’t have any communication issues the rest of the game.’’

According to the Free Press, Ragnow is able to breathe and eat with the injury.

Even with the fractured throat he didn’t allow a quarterback hit. He played all 67 offensive snaps and four on special teams.

“He’s played awesome, he’s played fantastic. Ultra physical in the run game and does a really nice job in the pass game as well just clearing up a bunch of stuff,’’ Stafford said. “When he gets one-on-one he plays at a high level so we’re lucky to have him. He’s a young player who’s got a ton of talent, a ton of ability, the right head on his shoulders and works extremely hard and leads those guys really well.’’

Lions running backs coach Kyle Caskey also noted Ragnow’s toughness.

“The guy goes out there, he’s beat up, he plays center. You watch some of the plays he’s getting hit, he’s getting just blasted almost every play,’’ Caskey said. “The guy plays through a lot, the amount of things we put on his plate from week to week, he’s a very valuable piece of this puzzle.’’

“Love him as a teammate,’’ Stafford said. “Obviously he’ll play through a bunch.’’

(Photo courtesy of Detroit Lions.)