Brandon Marshall: 'Blasphemy' to doubt Peyton's arm

[Emily Diana]

- Brandon Marshall: 'Blasphemy' to doubt Peyton's arm -

"Everyone under the sun is weighing in on Peyton Manning's arm strength. After all, Denver's season likely boils down their star quarterback's ability to drill the football downfield.

Even before Manning showed questionable power in a tight win over the Ravens in Week 1, NFL Media's Brian Baldinger came away from Peyton's preseason film saying: "When you watch some of these throws, you can't believe it could possibly be the same guy." ...

Manning's teammates disagree, with Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall emerging Tuesday to tell NFL Network's Around the NFL that all the speculation over Peyton's physical decline is nonsense.

"We all think it's blasphemy ... because Peyton, he still has it," Marshall said. "You know, he has what it takes. I think it's just a matter of time because it's a new offense. It's the beginning of the season ... just the chemistry with the O-line and the receivers, everybody gotta get in sync. I definitely think it's going to turn around. I have no issues, or no worries about anything."" ...

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000531473/article/brandon-marshall-blasphemy-to-doubt-peytons-arm

[Hadez]

Saw Kurt Warner on tv last night. In his opinion PM arm strength is fine but he does not YET look comfortable in the offense.

Think his exact words was you can see the zip is there.

[FR Tim]

I can appreciate Marshall backing his QB. But apparently I am a blasphemer.

Manning certainly does seem to have "zip" when conditions are favorable for good passing form. Like practice, clean pockets or when he can plant his feet and step into a throw.

Where I continue to see issues are in game situations when perfect form is not possible. Then the arm strength comes into question when compared to his fellow NFL QBs. That is where I see the issues and have seen defenses exploit for a season or more. The times he is not in a clean pocket, when he can not set his feet or is on the move. Even the long throws I have seen commented on. Chucking it for an overthrow is not a "strong arm".

I am not saying Manning can not make all the throws. It just seems like some get away from him. He seems to know it too and is becoming more gun shy in letting that tight window throw between a safety and CB loose. Defenses are willing to game plan him this way for a reason.

Curious about a his pick six interceptions. Just a theory I am curious about. He has had a few in the last couple of years as a Bronco. How many did he have in the first 15 years of his career in Indy? About the same percentage or a significant increase as a Bronco?

Was able to find Manning's pick six record.

http://regressing.deadspin.com/chart-all-of-peyton-mannings-pick-sixes-by-defender-a-1649970639

Basically 21 pick sixes in 13 years with the Colts. With a record 6 in one year.

With the Broncos he has had 7 pick sixes in 3 years and a game.

Any thoughts on why his rate seems to be increasing? I've stated mine.

[flosstein]

What is he supposed to say? Guys defended KO like he was the end all be all. I guess that every DC in the league is a blasphemer then.

[Rastic]

Saw Kurt Warner on tv last night. In his opinion PM arm strength is fine but he does not YET look comfortable in the offense.

Think his exact words was you can see the zip is there.

That's a pretty good take .

[CanDB]

Saw Kurt Warner on tv last night. In his opinion PM arm strength is fine but he does not YET look comfortable in the offense.

Think his exact words was you can see the zip is there.

That's a pretty good take .

I think that's true of our entire O. The comfort level is not there, and then again, why should it be? It's so early, the Oline needs time, and we have new coaching. Sometimes you take a step back before you go 2 forward.

[Chillez]

What is he supposed to say? Guys defended KO like he was the end all be all. I guess that every DC in the league is a blasphemer then.

And Cutler, Plummer, Tebow when they were here.

[Longtime Fan]

He never had a big arm like Elway, though, who has? I think he still has plenty of arm, I worry about the rest of him- his head and his heart, specifically. I hope his motivation is for the team. Still on board until he gives us obvious reason to doubt him, he has earned that. I look for improvement tonight, can't wait for the game.

Go Broncos!!!

[samparnell]

Saw Kurt Warner on tv last night. In his opinion PM arm strength is fine but he does not YET look comfortable in the offense.

Think his exact words was you can see the zip is there.

That's my take, too. The standard for being able to make all the throws is the fifteen yard out. Manning threw an eighteen yard out to Emmanuel Sanders in the second quarter on Sunday, so I don't think arm strength is the issue.

The missed passes, including longer ones he overthrew, looked like he just wasn't completely comfortable with the route and the opening. I think this is indicative that most of the plays being run are called from the sideline and he just doesn't have complete confidence in executing them yet.

[gtown53]

That's my take, too. The standard for being able to make all the throws is the fifteen yard out. Manning threw an eighteen yard out to Emmanuel Sanders in the second quarter on Sunday, so I don't think arm strength is the issue.

The missed passes, including longer ones he overthrew, looked like he just wasn't completely comfortable with the route and the opening. I think this is indicative that most of the plays being run are called from the sideline and he just doesn't have complete confidence in executing them yet.

When I saw that perfectly thrown 18 yard out that you are referring to, my first thought is "where does this arm strength stuff come from"? It's a whole new offense, a whole new coaching staff, a whole new playbook, and a whole new offensive line. It's just going to take some time to adapt to the CHANGE.

[flosstein]

And Cutler, Plummer, Tebow when they were here.

Exactly. No one bashes their starting QB. Only teams that do that are the complete dumpster fire, CHUD level teams.

[FR Tim]

That's my take, too. The standard for being able to make all the throws is the fifteen yard out. Manning threw an eighteen yard out to Emmanuel Sanders in the second quarter on Sunday, so I don't think arm strength is the issue.

The missed passes, including longer ones he overthrew, looked like he just wasn't completely comfortable with the route and the opening. I think this is indicative that most of the plays being run are called from the sideline and he just doesn't have complete confidence in executing them yet.

He can make all the throws just not consistently. An example to counter the Sanders throw would be the fourth quarter sideline pass to Green. That took forever to get to a wide open Green. Incredibly lucky he was so wide open or it would have been another pick six.

Or the miss of Norwood at the goal line right before the Sanders TD to tie. That is an arm strength issue.

Broncos won an amazing game. Manning showed a lot of character to lead the team after that start. But look at the passes objectively. He made some accurate tight throws. But others were off target or just ridiculous catches by the WRs. Especially a couple of DT's catches. He saved Manning and the game by fighting over CBs and making a couple of game saving catches.

Respect for the way Manning came through. But get past the excitement of the win and really look at some of those throws. The issues are not gone just masked by an incredible come from behind win.