McCaffrey's Arm (Strength)

Over the years herbs have usually chilled this fanbase. ? 

How about pre-game warm-ups?  I've been to three games but haven't gotten inside the Stadium early enough to see the team go through its drills.

Ah, so you're the lucky one that got the armchair preventing outrageous opinions without data.

Where'd you get it? (asking for a friend)

Last year he had that bomb to Ronnie Bell. 

That was a ~25 yd throw that DPJ did work with.  Shea got it out immediately after the snap, which is somewhat unusual for him.

Agreed. Shane Morris had arm strength galore, but that didn't matter much when he was on the field making split second decisions. The positive things said about McCaffrey coming out of high school was his poise, ability to run ANY offense, and his decision making. I will take those positives over having a Shane Morris type arm. And McCaffrey's arm strength coming out of high school wasn't bad either. He was throwing deep ball touchdowns to Ambry Thomas at The Opening a few years ago if that says anything (Ambry filled in at receiver for an injured Nico Collins).

So, if the only data points are throws that he executed perfectly, then what makes you think he doesn't have great arm strength?

Just not following the logic here.

His arm strength is very good and I’m not sure where this question keeps coming from. He has all intangibles and if he starts next year everyone will see it and wonder why he didn’t play more this season. 

Tom Brady vs Drew Henson is an example of fans focusing too much on arm strength and hype. Scouting reports in college described Brady as a pencil thin prospect lacking arm strength. Drew Henson had reports saying he had elite arm strength and was the next coming of John Elway. Both were good QBs at Michigan, but the one who had the tireless work ethic and drive became the greatest NFL QB ever. The intangibles won the day. Shea is good enough on most days, but Dylan could be great. All signs show he has the intangibles and I'm excited to see him get more time this year and next. He seems to have a coolness and poise in his limited playing time that could potentially make him elite along with his football pedigree.

The rain seemed to be letting up a bit when he went in too. 

He has a far better mechanic than Patterson.  No matter the weather, Patterson looks like he's heaving a medicine ball, McCaffery looks like he's throwing a baseball.

I mean, yes, that's true given those two choices, but the obsession over QB arm strength is like the obsession over OL size.  Arm strength isn't necessary to be good, but it is necessary to be great, and unlike those other traits, you can't teach it.

Also, if most of Shea's misses are underthrown....I mean....what does....how do.....I don't even....that's arm strength, man!

Why in your choices does the qb with great arm strength have ‘no clue where to throw the ball’?

Well, ideally people would want a QB who has all those intangibles that you posted, along with having great arm strength. Most people who are into football know that having a cannon for arm doesn't necessarily make a player a good quarterback.

Though it's still something that's usually taking into consideration when discussing a QB's abilities because arm strength can make a difference on certain throws.

A guy with a really weak arm could also hamper an offense, no matter how good he is at those other things you stated.      

It just depends on the QB because it might not matter one way or the other.   

I mean, its definitely an issue. Its like height for a basketball player - height is obviously is not the only thing that matters, but all things even, you'll generally take the taller player.  

Arm strength is not just about downfield throws. Arm strength can definitely affect accuracy - certainly in wind or rain like the game we just watched its a major factor. Arm strength will also affect timing - a ball that arrives at the correct spot ("accuracy") but is late because the ball is not thrown hard enough to arrive on time will cause a lot balls to be thrown behind WRs or that will hang and threaten to get picked off.

It is much harder to intercept a ball that is thrown hard, even if inaccurately, because the ball arrives too quickly, compared to an accurate pass that is slow and gives a defender time to react.

Shea's arm strength issues have definitely showed up at times - I can recall a number of passes thrown behind WRs on crossing routes, and several wobbly throws toward the sideline. We've seen a bunch of slow arriving passes where the WR is forced to wait on the pass or coming back toward the ball. This also gives defenders time to react and make a play on the ball or complete the tackle - and cuts down on chances for WRs to make a play after the catch. 

You can really see Shea's lack of arm strength hindering him when he is throwing out routes or quick hitters to the opposite side of the field. Ideally the ball gets to he WR quick enough for him to turn up field and gain extra yardage. But unfortunately Shea's throws tend to hang in the air giving the defender in coverage time to close the gap and make an immediate tackle or break the pass up entirely.

To run an offense to it’s full capabilities arm strength is undoubtedly important. Sure you can adjust how the offense is run to suit the QB’s game - but if they’re trying to hit a comeback across the field, a deep 9, or any bullet pass, etc. arm strength is extremely important.

If you lack arm strength in those above scenarios you’ll give the D enough time or a short enough distance to break up the pass, or worse intercept it. That’s why when you see a QB hit a comeback from across the field people often say “that was an NFL throw” - it’s important in evaluating the position.

With all that being said I think Caff has shown he has a strong enough arm. Idk where people are seeing otherwise so clearly or when he was even given the chance to display it.

Umm, tangy zip.  Don't insult the Miracle Whip.

I love a good argument about Mayo and Miracle Whip.  I hate Miracle Whip.  We grew up on Hellman's Mayonnaise.  It seems like the only time we were stuck with Miracle Whip was when my Mom thought the sandwiches would get too warm.  She didn't want us to get salmonella poisoning from the hot mayo.

What memories!