Harry
ASFN Consultant and Senior Writer
Like most of those on the board I’ve watched the now famous, game-winning play several times. What I’m trying to settle in my mind is what did I see? If you take all the NFL starting QBs and ask them to duplicate that play, probably half are sacked on the play. That’s 16 players eliminated. A few of those I’m eliminating might have managed to get away a short in-the-grasp throw. Of the remaining group, even though today’s QBs have stronger arms, I’d say only 20% of the remaining QBs could throw the ball to the end zone without being able to set their feet and step into the throw. While Murray had started to move forward, he clearly wasn’t able to setup and use his whole body behind the throw. You can see it’s in large part an arm throw. He whips his body around to even get the distance on the throw. So about 3–4 QBs could get the ball to the end zone.
Now comes the tricky part that’s hard to wrap my mind around. Observers are rightly praising Hopkins. To go up with three guys surrounding you and pull down the ball is a terrific accomplishment. He’s an extraordinary talent. However if he has to go get the throw, it’s likely nearly impossible to catch the ball. So that brings us to what I’m trying to decide. If Murray has to make that throw 10 times, how often does he hit the receiver with that kind of precision. Can he replicate it? I think only Mahomes might have made that throw. I’m not even confident he could make it. The fact that Hopkins could hold his ground and direct all his energy to high pointing the ball, is what made the catch possible.
Murray has certainly moved his ceiling up. The play was not just your typical Hail Mary. It was as good a throw as I have ever seen and after years of scouting I’ve seen more throws than you can imagine. I know people on this board have resented my pointing out the still remaining flaws in Murray’s technique. What they don’t understand is that’s like really saying there’s still a surprising amount of room for him to grow. Not on plays like this but on routine plays. It means this player can become something even more special than he already is. More and more analysts are starting to say what I’ve been saying, he’s the best running QB I’ve ever seen. I think if he can continue to elevate his passing game, he might simply be the best QB I’ve seen. It will be a fun ride! As it stands this play will be remembered for a long time.
Now comes the tricky part that’s hard to wrap my mind around. Observers are rightly praising Hopkins. To go up with three guys surrounding you and pull down the ball is a terrific accomplishment. He’s an extraordinary talent. However if he has to go get the throw, it’s likely nearly impossible to catch the ball. So that brings us to what I’m trying to decide. If Murray has to make that throw 10 times, how often does he hit the receiver with that kind of precision. Can he replicate it? I think only Mahomes might have made that throw. I’m not even confident he could make it. The fact that Hopkins could hold his ground and direct all his energy to high pointing the ball, is what made the catch possible.
Murray has certainly moved his ceiling up. The play was not just your typical Hail Mary. It was as good a throw as I have ever seen and after years of scouting I’ve seen more throws than you can imagine. I know people on this board have resented my pointing out the still remaining flaws in Murray’s technique. What they don’t understand is that’s like really saying there’s still a surprising amount of room for him to grow. Not on plays like this but on routine plays. It means this player can become something even more special than he already is. More and more analysts are starting to say what I’ve been saying, he’s the best running QB I’ve ever seen. I think if he can continue to elevate his passing game, he might simply be the best QB I’ve seen. It will be a fun ride! As it stands this play will be remembered for a long time.
