Detroit Lions QB Matthew Stafford Makes Franchise History In London
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford broke a franchise record against the Atlanta Falcons during the matchup in London on Sunday.
According to tweets from The Detroit News reporters Rod Beard and Josh Katzenstein, Stafford surpassed the record amount of touchdown passes once held by Bobby Layne, who played for the Lions from 1950 to 1958. Stafford’s touchdown pass to Golden Tate in the third quarter was the 119th of his career.
That touchdown allows Stafford to break Bobby Layne’s record with his 119th career TD pass.
— Rod Beard (@detnewsRodBeard) October 26, 2014
Matthew Stafford just broke Bobby Layne’s franchise record with his 119th TD pass. Golden Tate gave him the ball to carry to the sideline.
— Josh Katzenstein (@jkatzenstein) October 26, 2014
Prior to the game, The Detroit News predicted that the Detroit Lions quarterback would make franchise history against the Falcons, having tied Layne’s record during the Lions’ win last week against the New Orleans Saints. The 26-year-old Stafford also holds the franchise records for career passing yards, attempts, and completions.
When asked about breaking Layne’s record, the Detroit Lions quarterback didn’t have too much to say.
“I think it’ll probably mean something when I’m all said and done; I’ll look back on (it). During the course of the game, I’m just hoping whoever I throw it to doesn’t turn and throw the ball into to stands so I have to fight and go get it.”
The Detroit Lions faced a tough battle against the Falcons, having two of their biggest offensive players inactive; one defensive player suspended; and one defensive player go out during the game. Separate reports from ESPN indicated that wide receiver Calvin Johnson and running back Reggie Bush were both listed as inactive due to sprained ankles they had received in previous games. The Lions were also without C.J. Mosley, who is now suspended for two weeks for an “unspecified violation of team rules and conduct detrimental to the team,” and was sent back to the United States prior to the London game. During the game, Detroit Lions defensive tackle Nick Fairley went out with a knee injury and did not return.
After being down 21 points in the first half, the Detroit Lions came back to beat the Atlanta Falcons 22-21 on a 48-yard field goal by Matt Prater, according to the ESPN box score. Stafford threw for 325 yards and two touchdown passes, one to Golden Tate and the other to Theo Riddick.
In a related report from The Inquisitr, the Detroit Lions may be without Ndamukong Suh after this season. Suh’s contract with the Lions is coming to an end, and there are reports that it may not get renewed. Suh is rumored to be looking at New York for relocation after this season.
[Image credited to Andrew Weber -USA TODAY Sports via Fansided]
