New York Giants: Don't Expect A Finger To Stop Matthew Stafford

Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford is injured, but New York Giants wide receiver Tavarres King is advising his teammates to take him seriously.

If you’re a fan of the NFL, then you’re likely aware of the toughness of Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford. Not only has he survived being drafted to one of the most self-destructive organizations in professional sports, but he’s played through pain that most couldn’t fathom.

Thus, while Stafford enters his Week 15 clash with the New York Giants with a severe injury, Big Blue can’t afford to take him lightly.

Stafford dislocated a joint and tore ligaments in the middle finger of his throwing hand during Detroit’s 20-17 win over the Chicago Bears in Week 14. That would sideline a vast majority of players, and with good reason; he dislocated a joint and tore ligaments in the middle finger of his throwing hand.

According to Zach Braziller of The New York Post, Giants wide receiver Tavarres King is urging his teammates to take Stafford as seriously as they would have when he was healthy.

“He’s not going to let a finger stop him from going out and competing and trying to win for his team,” King said. “He’s a guy that you want to go into battle with. … He’s just got that competitive edge to him.”

In other words: don’t expect Stafford to be any less great on Sunday than he’s been all season.

For those unfamiliar, King played with Stafford at the University of Georgia during the 2008 season. King acquired first-hand knowledge of Stafford’s toughness during their brief time together.

Though New York is going to play its heart out regardless of the injury, King understands the temptation to take a hobbled opponent lightly.

Stafford has proven time and time again to be stronger than his injuries are painful.

For those unfamiliar, Stafford is in the midst of an MVP-caliber season. The Lions are 9-4, Stafford has an NFL record eight fourth quarter comebacks, and he’s taking care of the football in a way he’s struggled to do so in previous seasons.

Most impressively, he’s responded to the shocking retirement of superstar wide receiver Calvin Johnson by turning in what may be the best season of his eight-year career.

The Giants’ defense may be inclined to test Stafford’s injured throwing hand in the cold weather on Sunday, but King is advising them to play with as much of a sense of urgency as they would’ve against a healthy star quarterback.

Stafford is one of the toughest players in football. Injured or not, the Giants cannot take him lightly.