Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
I’ll start this off by saying I’m a huge Matthew Berry fan: the articles are pretty good and his ESPN Fantasy Focus podcast is absolutely on point. However, I had bit of an issue that pertains to Peyton Manning-Denver Broncos the section of Berry’s 100 facts for the 2013 NFL season.
10. More Peyton: For all the talk of “noodle arm,” Manning completed 45.9 percent of throws more than 20 yards downfield. Only Robert Griffin III (with completions on 47.1 percent of such throws) was better.
11. By comparison, from 2008 to 2010, Manning’s completion rate on throws more than 20 yards downfield was 31.6 percent.
Berry may or may not admit that Manning had a noodle arm last year, but fact No. 10 seems to imply the criticisms of Manning’s arm are unwarranted.
It was absolutely clear that Manning had lost his fastball relative to earlier in his career — though it was never really a “heater” — and his velocity decreased down the stretch in 2013. Evidence: The game-losing interception against the Baltimore Ravens in overtime during the divisional playoff loss.
Completing passes more than 20 yards downfield is not reliant on a strong arm. High schoolers can get it that distance. Manning’s other-wordly anticipation, incredible accuracy, exceptionally talented downfield receivers in Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker, along with holding an early lead in most games allowed this 20-plus-yard completion percentage to be so high.
And perhaps this can be replicated again in 2013, with Manning in game situations where he can pick his spots on hitting the 20-30-yard range on throws. It’s great that he’s able to move the offense with passes in this range without needing to really toss bombs too often. But the arm strength has to remain at least a slight concern — even with good reports from Broncos training camp — especially if it decreases down the stretch again.
Thomas Emerick is a Senior Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @ThomasEmerick, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google
