SideLion Report » Patrick Peterson

Patrick Peterson Got It Right With Matthew Stafford

Braden Shackelford — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 12:00:20 +0000

Matthew Stafford has been getting ripped all season long for his unorthodox throwing motions by NFL analysts. Ron Jaworski even went as far as saying that Stafford would be a “middle-of-the-pack” quarterback until his mechanics are corrected. Comments like that make me wonder if these “analysts” are even watching football or just looking for a reason to explain why Stafford’s numbers are down.

Dec 2, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during the third quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at Ford Field. Colts won 35-33. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

Since when is it a bad thing that a quarterback can throw in multiple arm angles to complete a pass?

I’ve seen Stafford complete passes from over the shoulder, side arm, and under arm. Two of these throwing motions may not be ideal, but they give Stafford opportunities to complete passes that other quarterbacks are incapable of making. In other words, Stafford’s throwing motions give him more chances to complete passes and make plays. If you are going to critique Stafford’s game it would be more accurate to say that he doesn’t always choose the right throwing angles to complete passes, than to say that his throwing angles hinder his ability to complete passes and be an elite quarterback.

I’m not the only believer of Stafford’s unorthodox style of play. Arizona Cardinals corner Patrick Peterson recognizes how valuable Stafford’s abilities are.

“It can be a good thing. He can throw the ball with a submarine throw and probably still get it there. He’s just an incredible athlete and a better quarterback.”

The Lions may be having a down year and Stafford is probably taking more heat for it then he should, but that’s what comes with being a quarterback in the NFL. Let’s also remember Stafford is only 24 years old and has a lot of football left. It’s only a matter of time before these same critics are praising Stafford for his ability to make plays out of nothing with his unique throwing angles.

FINAL SideLion Report Mock Draft

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 14:45:46 +0000

The SideLion Report mock draft is now featured in the DC Pro Sports Report, WalterFootball.com, Sports Jabber and hailredskins.com mock draft databases. Each site keeps track of a huge number mock drafts all over the web. Check out NFL Mocks and With the First Pick for comprehensive NFL draft coverage year-round.

1. Carolina Panthers
Cam Newton
Quarterback, Auburn

2. Denver Broncos
Marcell Dareus
Defensive Tackle, Alabama

3. Buffalo Bills
Von Miller
Linebacker, Texas A&M

4. Cincinnati Bengals
A.J. Green
Wide Receiver, Georgia

5. Arizona Cardinals
Blaine Gabbert
Quarterback, Missouri

(more…)