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Jeff Driskel made his debut as the Detroit Lions starting quarterback in Week 10. He wasn’t terrible, guiding the team to a field goal on the opening drive and leading the Lions in rushing while completing 26-of-38 pass attempts.
Driskel was in the lineup only because Matthew Stafford was forced to end his 136 consecutive game streak with broken bones in his back. But Stafford was still actively involved on the Detroit sideline, advising Driskel after every possession.
The young backup clearly appreciated the help from Stafford. Driskel was asked if he leaned on Stafford on the sidelines.
“I think his presence is huge,” Driskel said after the game. “He’s the unquestioned leader of this team and one of the toughest dudes I’ve ever been around, most competitive people I’ve ever been around. So yeah, having his presence there was huge, not just for me but for the whole team. So yeah, it was awesome to have him there and he had my back just like I have his back when he’s out there.”
Driskel realized how tough it must be for Stafford to not be out there leading the team on the field. He talked about how great of a leader that makes No. 9.
“Yeah, I’m sure it was tough, everybody wants to be out there competing on the field and he’s done it for a long time at a high level, don’t know the exact number of starts that he’s had in a row, but it’s definitely up there. I think it’s since 2011 he hasn’t missed a start. It’s just a testament to him as a person, as a teammate and a competitor.”
Stafford’s status is undetermined for Week 11 and beyond. Driskel showed enough in his relief role to at least give the Lions a fighting chance…with Stafford in his ear helping out.