Patriot_in_NY
Veteran Starter w/Big Long Term Deal
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- Jan 1, 2007
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Not exactly the same thing as throwing to an oft-concussed slot receiver over the middle when there are three defenders converging upon him.
Actually, it goes beyond just making that throw. It was the placement of the ball. Peyton threw the ball high and to Welker's outside shoulder, which directly put him into a position to get his clock cleaned by the rapidly converging safety. Welker knew it too, and tries to get his head down quickly, which actually put his head a WORSE position.
In general, that throw over the middle should be low and to the inside hip area (perhaps even slightly behind the WR), which would put the receiver into a sliding posture (more protected position) when the inevitable hit comes. Bottom line, when through over the middle into a crowd, lower passes are much safer. It's different if there is a little daylight between the WR and defenders, then that throw is fine as it puts the receiver in a perfect position for YAC. It's part of the QB's job to recognize that and to protect slot receivers, or any receiver going over the middle. Brady is a master at those low throws in traffic and Welker made a living on them during his time here.
Nevermind that it occurred in a useless preseason game. Manning should have NEVER made that throw, because he just doesn't have the same touch on the ball that he used to. Stupid throw at a stupid time.
p.s. For the Colt's fan arguing about Gronk's injury, you are either kidding yourself or don't know what you are talking about. The moment the receiver makes an upfield move (as Gronk did by taking 3-4 steps) and gets injured, he's not a "defenseless receiver" and it becomes a YAC injury (which is never on the QB).
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