Link: Pennington Working on Mechanics
For those who have been fixated on Chad Pennington’s errant throws this spring, it seems someone from the press had the bright idea to ask questions on which the QB (and fellow teammates) aren’t ball-gagged.
So what’s up with the technique Pennington? Here’s some compiled quotes from a rather excellent Sporting News article.
“The biggest point of emphasis for me right now is I’m changing mechanical issues with my throwing motion,” Pennington said after a Thursday morning workout. “I really went back and studied it, and I want to really focus on it to where I gain more consistency with my throws, be more consistent with the velocity and really take it to the next level.”
“Changing the ball placement, how I’m holding the ball, would be No. 1,” he said. “No. 2, I’m changing the actual motion and trying to incorporate more of a torque and twisting action with my upper body to where I can really incorporate my hips more.
“I want to be more compact with the throw and not be an all-arm thrower. When you’re an all-arm thrower, you lose that consistency because some days you have it and some days you don’t. If you really rely on your hips and your core and get a torque with the throw, that creates consistency, no matter what your arm feels like.”
“I’ve still got work to do,” he said of his new motion. “It’s one thing to do it against air when you are by yourself and honed in on it. But when you have the reads and the footwork, and 22 guys on the field, your body tends to revert back to the old way.”
This might stand to reason on why in the recent OTAs he was having trouble hitting uncovered targets in passing drills … he’s working out the hitch in his throw, and it obviously feels different to him.
Color me dubious, as Pennington has uttered similar words during the spring/summer of 2006, when he was coming back off his second shoulder rehab, and talked about using his hips more to generate power. I can’t say that I saw a marked improvement on the speed of his passes, maybe if anything they had equal velocity to his passes before shoulder sugery.
19 Responses to Link: Pennington Working on Mechanics
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JustAGreenGuy says:
I second that comment!
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Paul says:
If you were to look back at the first regular season game in ’06, I remember commenting that it appeared that Chad had slightly more velocity on the ball as compared to previously. That seemingly eroded kind of quickly over the course of the next several games, until it seemed like he had even less zip on the ball than before. He had several big games those first few weeks, and then he dropped off. Maybe he reverted to his old mechanics, with or without realizing it.
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Reprocity says:
I dont want to bash Chad so I wont. I think they should limit the amount of throws if they are not already. Kellen should get most of the reps and if he cant beat out Chad then we will rool with a fresh CP.
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All Things NY says:
Its great to see Chad working on his mechanics and realizing that his physical talent is not up to par as opposed to intellegence. Although I love his dedication to his sport, I will be upset if K Clemens can not beat this guy out for a starting job.
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Subir says:
Let’s not forget that Chad is sacrificing his accuracy (his best attribute), his overall upside might be even less now.
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Moyvore says:
Assuming he was really interested in winning the QB competition, and his ankle was completely healed by, say, February, he really should have worked out the kinks of the new delivery during the offseason — not in the last mini-camp or training camp.
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I’m afraid chad’s sholder may not hold up. I love the guy but you can’t float those balls like that in this league.
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RK says:
On a side note Cedric Benson was arrested for drunk driving.
With our glut of RBs maybe we can trade Baker and Chatman for Desmond Clark or Greg Olsen and something else.
They are in a world of hurt after reaching the Bowl.
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Bent says: Mechanics are actually more important than his shoulder when it comes to how hard he throws the ball. With good mechanics, he can throw hard even with a sore shoulder, which is why he still was able to be effective at the end of the ’04 season. However, even with a shoulder at 100%, bad mechanics will lead to floated passes.
As noted above, he was throwing pretty hard in 2005 and at the start of last year, but then he hurt his ankle which meant he reverted to throwing with all arm again. If he is refining his technique though, you can expect teething troubles. One other note, it is easier to get the footwork and mechanics right when you are not under pressure.
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Johnny Styne says:
These mechanics will certainly help him hold a clipboard in Kansas City next season.
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SackDance99 says:
With KC having accuracy and INT problems without any pass rush and our 31-year old vet working on his mechanics after a season where he lost significant velocity, the QB situation appears to be going from bad to worse. Is there anyone from the Arena League or CFL out there?
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pat d says:
Ainge to Henry – touchdown.
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Ainge to Henry – touchdown.
Didn’t Todd and Walker light up the league as rookies.
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KCs accuracy seems to be improved. He did get sacked in a drill without pads tho. I have to think that at this point Chad has a slight edge. We are boned at the spot. Go Jets
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Big A says:
I keep hoping that one of these guys starts to throw well, but it appears from all reports that both are always very inconsistent. I’m starting to wonder about the offensive schemes and the coaching.
Is the offensive plan too complicated? That would account for why KC might be hesitating when making his reads and holding the ball too long. Chad has a better handle on the playbook, but has the weaker arm.
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Awesome article. I respect Chad for trying to improve his mechanics and agree with Bent that mechanics are more important than shoulder strength, but doesn’t it seem odd that at this point in his career he has realized what he needs to do to get more zip on the ball? None of the coaches in his first few years ever thought of that? (OK, we are talking about Herm and Hackett, so maybe that’s believable).
I understand that he said some similar things a few years ago, but then why did he revert back to his old form in ’06, when he wasn’t injured? I, for one would love to see him get more zip on the ball and start this year, but if he’s gonna do it, he better get those mechanics down quick. If it’s not second nature by the second week of training camp, it ain’t gonna happen.
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I remember last year he was doing yoga or karate or something to get his legs into his throws more. YAWN. He is what he is!
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This is soo gay…
The guy is a 31 years old and an 8 year veteran… Now he is working on his mechanics??? Are you kidding me??? Get him outa here.
Great article! To bad our local sports media can’t find any similar stories to write about except Baker and his new sleeze agent and a rehash of Elam’s sad story. It is great to know there is someone willing to investigate things pertaining to actual football.
harlan