mesoslo

If you look at the throw again, you will see that the throw had a lot of zip on the ball.

You could also see Cadwell at the last second create seperation away from the Chargers DB and haul it in.

Iam sure if Brady had put some lob into it the DB would have had a chance to catch up and maybe even make a play at it.

the throws that were thrown off target, would have been caught if we had faster more athletic WR.
You have to understand Brady is trying to put the ball where only his teamate can make a play.

Gaffney and Cadwell both have more yards than harrisson and wayne so far. We also played 2 teams that dont have a lack luster secondary. So i expect the patriots to be able to both run and pass on the colts. the colts secondary cannot be compared to that of the Jets and the Chargers.

I really like the idea that as brady ages and his experience becomes greater and greater, his supporting cast would not have to be as talented and demand as much of space on the salary cap.

__________________
The Patriots logo looks the best!

VJCPatriot

Well I think what made that play possible is that Brady is beginning to develop a sense of timing with Caldwell so that he could anticipate where Caldwell would be at the end of the throw. I think that more than anything is a positive sign that the Pats will put on a good show against the Colts in the AFCCG.

__________________

Maroney

I believe I either read somewhere or heard on Sports tonight that Brady worked on the deep ball alot this off-season but never got to use it much this season because of the wide-reciever situation, especially early in the season. Looks like it paid off though. I agree that as Brady gets better we will need to spend less on wr's. But I still don't want to leave the talent level for Brady's recievers as it is now. I can see the Pat's using a first round pick on a wr if Jarrett if available this year either at 24 (Seatle's pick is now finalize at 24) or where ever our pick is, 29 or later, which would really be a steal. Also, if we spend more on wr's then our offense will only improve that much more as Brady can only do so much.

FloridaPatsFan

The DB on Caldwell was Quentin Jammer. Maybe not yet a household name but a very respected DB in the NFL.

IMHO, that was truly a Montana-like throw. Dead on perfect.

rainmaker

The throw was a good one (not a perfect one), and gave the WR a chance to make a play. Some may disagree, but I believe Caldwell made a tremendous play to lean back against the corner to cause separation and accelerate at the end to make the catch. If he doesn't do that, then he doesn't catch the ball and it drops harmlessly on the ground. A very veteran, savvy WR move.

Kdo5

The only person the long ball has worked successfully on this year was Caldwell. He got a 50 yard TD against the Packers. A 60 yarder vs the Titans and a huge 50 yard catch to pretty much assure an easy field goal. I recorded the game and have watched that play over and over. Brady didnt waste any time it was just about 2 seconds when he dropped back and that ball was great. Phil Sims was absolutely praising the move Caldwell put on Jammer.

__________________
-Art Shell
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

shakadave

I don't see it this way. Brady is still just average at throwing the deep ball. He used to be below average, and has climbed to average, so at least that's progress.

__________________
Please, God, don't let us ever suck as bad as the 2011 Cowboys did in the Jets opener.
* * * * *
"I got a little shine on and showed you guys a little taste of my speed."

----Vince Wilfork, Jan. 7, 2007

hwc

I think we might be trying to attribute a little more accuracy to downfield throws than is warranted. Given when the ball has to be released, the best throws can only an "approximation" and it's up to the receiver to adjust to the ball.

IMO, when a QB hits a receiver in stride 50 yards downfield, it's just luck. Throw it ten more times and most of the throws would require a five yard adjustment by the receiver. This isn't like standing on a practice field throwing balls into a basket. There are a lot of variables in a live play.

RayClay

Bingo! Though Jackson is probably going to sit in favor of veterans Caldwell and Gaffney, (anyone have a problem with that?), brady has badly underthrown him more than once recently.

Athleticism is fine, but timing is everything.

BTW, all three of these receivers ran faster 40s than Branch, so there might be a little more to it.

To be fair, Branch is exceptionally quick.

__________________

patsox23

Um...In 2003 and 2004 Brady led the NFL - Manning and Culpepper (with Moss) included - in completions and QB rating on throws that travelled 30+ yards in the air. He has been very good throwing deep for awhile. This year was, for various reasons, a disappointment in that area.