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When trust is broken, its hard to get back. In the context of a romantic relationship, some subscribe to the mantra, “once a cheater, always a cheater.”
Perhaps this informs the comments of many fans regarding Matthew Stafford’s elbow.
Apparently, it all goes back to Todd Gurley.
In as we all recall, in late 2018, Gurley’s knee started to have issues. He missed games late in the season and, after a solid performance in the Wild Card game against Dallas, largely disappeared (in favor of retread C.J. Anderson) through the Super Bowl run. The next season, he was ineffective. By 2020, he was a Falcon. Last year, he was no longer playing.
During this ordeal, the team was, to say the least, something less than a fount of information. Indeed, the public statements were generally vague, and seemed calculated to convey a lack of concern and/or optimism, notwithstanding what we saw on the field (or, in New Orleans, on the sideline).
Many felt lied to or, to follow the analogy, “cheated on.”
So now, with Matthew Stafford experiencing elbow soreness/pain and the team again making statements that are a bit vague, is there cause for concern?
Has the “cheating” returned?
I, for one, really don’t see an analogy here. In Gurley’s case, there was a clear injury (ACL tear) that was repaired leaving a knee that, as is often the case, particularly with “bell cow” running backs, wore down. Sure, it happened prematurely, particularly in light of the contract Gurley received, but this is not an unfamiliar story (ask the Giants about Sequan Barkley or the Panthers about Christian McCaffrey, for example).
Stafford, on the other hand, has been exceedingly durable over the years, and has a reputation for playing – and playing very well – in the face of wear, tear, bumps, bruises and pain.
We’ve seen him throw this week. We’ve heard the explanation of his situation. I’m not overly concerned.
But some, including people on at least 3 Rams boards I have seen, have implied that this is another Gurley situation. That we should be worried that we are being “cheated” on again.
Only time will tell, but I’m just not feeling that way. If anything, I wish Sean McVay would say less, as he’s now being quoted out of context by bloggers and other casual commentators. I don’t feel like this is “another Gurley” situation, though, and I don’t think I’m being lied to.
I’m sure everyone hopes I’m right.
Perhaps this informs the comments of many fans regarding Matthew Stafford’s elbow.
Apparently, it all goes back to Todd Gurley.
In as we all recall, in late 2018, Gurley’s knee started to have issues. He missed games late in the season and, after a solid performance in the Wild Card game against Dallas, largely disappeared (in favor of retread C.J. Anderson) through the Super Bowl run. The next season, he was ineffective. By 2020, he was a Falcon. Last year, he was no longer playing.
During this ordeal, the team was, to say the least, something less than a fount of information. Indeed, the public statements were generally vague, and seemed calculated to convey a lack of concern and/or optimism, notwithstanding what we saw on the field (or, in New Orleans, on the sideline).
Many felt lied to or, to follow the analogy, “cheated on.”
So now, with Matthew Stafford experiencing elbow soreness/pain and the team again making statements that are a bit vague, is there cause for concern?
Has the “cheating” returned?
I, for one, really don’t see an analogy here. In Gurley’s case, there was a clear injury (ACL tear) that was repaired leaving a knee that, as is often the case, particularly with “bell cow” running backs, wore down. Sure, it happened prematurely, particularly in light of the contract Gurley received, but this is not an unfamiliar story (ask the Giants about Sequan Barkley or the Panthers about Christian McCaffrey, for example).
Stafford, on the other hand, has been exceedingly durable over the years, and has a reputation for playing – and playing very well – in the face of wear, tear, bumps, bruises and pain.
We’ve seen him throw this week. We’ve heard the explanation of his situation. I’m not overly concerned.
But some, including people on at least 3 Rams boards I have seen, have implied that this is another Gurley situation. That we should be worried that we are being “cheated” on again.
Only time will tell, but I’m just not feeling that way. If anything, I wish Sean McVay would say less, as he’s now being quoted out of context by bloggers and other casual commentators. I don’t feel like this is “another Gurley” situation, though, and I don’t think I’m being lied to.
I’m sure everyone hopes I’m right.
