Post by riczaj01 on Aug 18, 2019 12:04:35 GMT -6
Deep passes aren't about strong arms. Brees has one of the best deep balls of all time, and his arm isn't as strong as any of those guys. It's about mechanics, and timing w/WR's. The question is, can he work on, and correct his mechanics. Some say that once you start playing there is no fixing that. Others think it can be worked on if you are willing to do it. Just depends on what group you fall into those 2.
Yes, there is a basic floor of arm strength necessary to make all the throws and be a viable NFL QB and it never hurts to have "extra" to rifle throws onto tight windows. But beyond that, there doesn't seem to be much correlation between having a 'special arm' and ultimate success. I can name you quite a few QBs who wow'ed people with their 'great arms' but had nothing special careers or even failed completely.
Besides, as Ric pointed out, arm strength can be developed and improved with an NFL conditioning program, mechanical improvements, even timing, etc. Neither Brees nor Brady have ever had a spectacular arm but both improved over time and neither of them as vets had any trouble hitting the deep shot. I think you could say the same things about Eli as well in his prime when he won 2 SBs. Flacco on the other hand has always had a great arm but, other than one spectacular postseason run, he's never been more than an average-starter type of QB.
Cutler, Stafford never/has yet to, do anything special either. Mahomes looked special last year, but it wasn't his cannon that did it; he led all qb's in yards after catch by his WR's. You don't do that if you are chucking it 30-50 yards constantly. He also did it 1x, Foles has a magical 1yr early in his career also. Gotta do it over a 3-4 year span.
Add another "non cannon", Joe Montana. If you get your mechanics down, and you perfect the system you are in, and have above average talent you'll be fine at deep ball throws.
btw, Hoge/Jahns, or maybe one of the 670 afternoon shows, was talking about Cutler on that TV series his wife has, I haven't seen it nor would I, made it sound like he's really smart but pretty lazy and just enjoys an easy going lifestyle; and compared him to Manning/Romo. They talked about his ability to be a great announcer but it doesn't look like he wants to put any effort into anything. Sounds like his career. Manning/Romo wanted to be perfect at the position, and in their post retirement careers. Cutler's retirement sounds like why he failed at qb'ing, all talent no effort, great guy, just no fucks to give.