Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning is arguably the greatest quarterback of all time, despite lacking a rocket arm. This fact was brought up by cornerback Richard Sherman of the Seattle Seahawks in a column he wrote for Peter King's MMQB back on Jan. 3.
Super Bowl 2014: Richard Sherman says Peyton Manning ‘throws ducks,’ Broncos QB agrees
Seattle’s controversial corner made a comment about Manning’s passes, one the future Hall of Famer actually concurs with.
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Sherman was actually complimentary throughout his examination of Manning, ranking him as the smartest quarterback in football. But then Sherman discussed Manning’s arm strength at the end:
When we played Peyton in the preseason, I found a new appreciation for the way he makes adjustments at the line of scrimmage; he controls the protections, and if he sees the blitz coming he slides it. The thing that sets him apart is that he’ll change it to a run play if you don’t have enough players in the box, and they’ll get five or six yards because you’re not ready for it. Nobody else has both the authority to do that within their offense and the understanding to know when it’s appropriate.
His arm, however, is another story. His passes will be accurate and on time, but he throws ducks.
Manning discussed the comment this week at the Super Bowl, where he responded in a way typical of the reigning MVP, according to the Washington Post.
“I believe it to be true as well. I don’t think that’s a real reach what he’s saying. I’ve thrown a lot of yards and touchdowns with ducks. I’m actually quite proud of it.”
Manning, 37, had the best season statistically of any quarterback in NFL history. The former No. 1 pick threw for 5,477 yards and 55 touchdowns, both league records by wide margins. Manning also completed 68.3 percent of his passes, the third-best mark of his career.
Coming into the NFL, Manning was thought to have an average arm, but never the type of cannon possessed by men like Joe Namath, Terry Bradshaw, John Elway or Brett Favre. Of course, Manning more than made up for it with pinpoint accuracy on all types of throws, including ones normally reserved for big arms like corner routes.
After undergoing four neck surgeries, Manning’s arm weakened further but he has continued to be the most prolific quarterback around. Never the type to throw deep often, Manning uses incredible timing as Sherman pointed out, throwing to windows which will only be open for a split-second.
This was on display against the Kansas City Chiefs this season on Dec. 1. Facing a defense loaded with six Pro Bowlers, Manning was able to move safeties Quintin Demps and Kendrick Lewis with subtle movements before dropping in bombs to Eric Decker. Not one pass was a laser, but they almost all found the mark.
All told, Manning basically sealed the AFC West that day, throwing for 403 yards and five touchdowns, including four to Decker.
This is the typical non-story story during Super Bowl week. With two weeks of columns and features to fill and only one game to write about, there are few events more challenging for a writer. Controversy makes everything infinitely easier, but that Manning agrees with the comment shows the pride he has in the way he plays the game now.
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