Rivers grounding method

Being new here, don't know if this has already been discussed a bunch - but do we know why or is there even a good reason for the way Rivers throws the ball away on blown screens? It makes me nervous every time that a grounding call is coming, and he's the only QB I've seen do that. Why not just throw it out-of-bounds, as he's usually right at the edge of the pocket anyway?

about 3 years ago Lenny Suckerpunch 6 comments 0 recs |

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I should qualify that as only a very minor gripe...

as he’s been terrific.

by Lenny Suckerpunch on Jan 5, 2009 7:49 AM PST reply actions

There’s no reason to think that an intentional grounding penalty is coming when he throws the ball at the feet of a receiver while outside the pocket.

Bolts from the Blue // "Game over." - Jamal Williams
Bloody Elbow // "Every normal man must be tempted at times to spit upon his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats." - H.L. Mencken

by Richard Wade on Jan 5, 2009 12:32 PM PST reply actions

When I see them, I don't always see "at the feet of a receiver"

I see sometimes within 3 yards of a receiver’s feet, sometimes more like 5-7 and closer to a lineman. We KNOW it’s OK if it goes past the line of scrimmage when outside the pocket, but “at the feet of a receiver” is much muddier and left to an official’s discretion. Granted, it’s not likely to be called, but I don’t see the benefit to putting it clearly behind the line when it could be thrown out of bounds. Is it so much extra effort to throw OOB?

I love Rivers as much as the next guy and again a minor thing, but it seems like there’ s a reason you don’t see that being done as common practice by other QBs.

by Lenny Suckerpunch on Jan 5, 2009 1:56 PM PST up reply actions

Those silly throwaways drive me crazy

Plus they hurt Sproles’ catch percentage numbers.

1-10-DEN 18 (9:52) (Shotgun) 6-J.Cutler pass short right intended for 19-E.Royal INTERCEPTED by 93-L.Castillo (95-S.Phillips) at DEN 18. 93-L.Castillo to DEN 14 for 4 yards (62-C.Wiegmann). 6-J.Cutler pouts ob to DEN 25 for 11 yards.

by Wonko on Jan 5, 2009 3:17 PM PST reply actions