Detroit Lions: Should Matthew Stafford be playing?

The Detroit Lions aren’t playoff bound but that doesn’t mean they should rest their star quarterback, Matthew Stafford, for next season?

Once again, the Detroit Lions failed to make the playoffs. This means guys like Matthew Stafford shouldn’t risk playing right? Get out of here.

Organizations don’t pay banged up players to stand on the sidelines just to save them for the future. If you’re healthy enough, regardless of record, you play.

Forget the amazing quarterback starting streak Stafford has going (126 straight). Who cares if he doesn’t get 4,000 passing yards? When he’s paid as much as he is ($26.5 million dollar cap hit in 2018), he better be playing.

Football is a sport of risks. Anybody could make up a lame enough excuse to not play someone. Unless a player runs the risk of seriously injuring themselves, they knew what they signed up for.

The NFL is a place of work and business. Their employees must be held accountable and fulfill their contracts.

I get Lions fans wanting protection for the future of this franchise but as an organization, Detroit doesn’t sell out Ford Field having Matt Cassel in as the starter. In order to get the best return on investment, Stafford can’t be on the bench.

There are several Lions players that have been shut down, and for good reason. It doesn’t matter if a season is lost or not, players compete, no matter how their season turns out. Even resting starters after clinching a playoff berth is debatable but at least it makes more sense.

The 10 year veteran quarterback knows his body better than anyone. Detroit fans should be grateful the face of this franchise is battling so hard for a “meaningless” game.

But, every game is meaningful in the NFL. It’s harder to recognize this when you’re not the one suiting up for the games.

Spectators shouldn’t understand, how can they? Easy, just imagine you’re working, it’s a down year and your boss gives the top employee time off because that person is tired on the job. How would you feel?

This applies to the NFL. Why should any player be subject to special treatment if they aren’t threatened by an injury. That doesn’t go over well in locker rooms.

Stafford is fighting and it’s very commendable but so is the rest of the league. I trust the Detroit Lions and their quarterback are making the right decision.