Watching highlights and analysis pieces on the net, I am blown away by Stafford's throwing technique.
First, he slides around in the pocket with awareness of where virtually every defender is, downfield and in his face. He always senses s bit of a seam in the pass rush to step into. The OL must be overjoyed to block for him. He really makes their job easier.
So he slides a couple of steps, sees the angle, and sets to throw. His footwork is not only superb, but also versatile. He sets his body to throw but often with body angles that no one would teach. His feet often angle against his arms and shoulders, yet somehow he does so with athletic balance that elegantly integrates his body's motion. He is the sort of supreme athlete that can find balance and leverage with apparently disconnected body parts.
Then the ball comes out. Talk about quick release. He sees it and ... flick ... the ball is gone. One of the quickest releases I have seen! Often, he throws with a sidearm fling. But, again, his athleticism is such that he can get leverage and authority from what appears to be an awkward toss that for mortal QBs would go nowhere. Zip. It's gone. I can just imagine how frustrating it is for DL who are right there ... but the ball is gone seemingly before he has to plant and wind up.
And then there is the ball he throws. He has all the arm strength you need. But it isn't a canon. He throws a soft, catchable ball. And yet, he he doesn't toss lobs. The ball gets there quickly, in plenty of time to hit tight windows before they close. Plenty of velocity, yet somehow still a soft toss one can grab easily.
I feel like, to account for what he is doing, one needs to keep oscillating between opposites. Off-center but balanced. Powerful, high-velocity balls that are nevertheless soft and catchable.
This is what the real experts, the league coaches and personnel guys have known for years. This guy is a truly elite QB. The WAY he throws is as impressive as the results. And it is so elusive, so hard to contain, like trying to contain mercury with a fork.
And then there is the mental side. If you haven't yet listened to Jourdan this week, do so. She boils it down to McVay saying, "When I go wrong, Matt can make me right."
Damn. Where has he been all these years? It's a gift to watch him now, and I hope he lasts with us. But oh how he has been buried in DET all those years!
