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For someone who likes to write about big-picture issues, the idea of trying to crank out 700 or more words on one play would seem rather daunting. However, when that one play is the single hardest throw to make as a quarterback and it is executed to perfection — well then the assignment becomes markedly easier. You could easily write thousands of words about Calgary’s thrilling come from behind 44-41 win over the BC Lions but I would like to just focus on one play: Jonathon Jennings’ third quarter 31 yard touchdown pass to Shawn Gore.
Now, just so I’m not accused of plagiarism, I will admit the inspiration for this column came from the twitter feed of Marshall Ferguson (@TSN_Marsh), the play-by-play man for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. A former collegiate quarterback with the McMaster Marauders back in the day, the man is a football geek in the best possible way and when he posted not one but two vines extolling completions made by Jennings I immediately decided it would be a good idea to re-watch that play about 734 times to examine just what the hell happened.
Oh, before I continue, if you didn’t see the catch just check out Don Landry’s 5 Takeaways from Week 6 (or see below … you won’t be able to miss it).
Before we get to the stars of the play let’s give out some recognition to the players that helped make this pass possible. A play like this needs flawless pass protection and left tackle Jovan Olafioye managed to block out defensive lineman Demonte’ Bolden on the initial snap of the ball and then slid over to keep Charleston Hughes away from Jennings. The right side of the line withstood the brunt of the Stampeders’ blitz and created the textbook pocket for Jennings to throw from. Finally, I have to give a nod to the officials for calling that a touchdown. That score was just a thing of beauty; it would have been a shame if Gore had been ruled out at the one because we all know what would have happened next — a vulture one-yard touchdown sneak by some backup quarterback or no-name fullback. Why should they get the touchdown?
Let’s get back to the throw. I spoke with Ferguson, who was just raving about the arm strength required to make such a pass. He mentioned how teams don’t normally have 40-yard out patterns within their playbooks, and there’s reason for that — because it’s really super duper hard to complete. The deep out is the most dangerous pass to make with a minefield of defensive backs just waiting to pick it off. It’s the throw that defines just how strong a quarterback’s arm is. I would say the 20-yard out is pretty much the gold standard for most quarterbacks; to do what Jennings did is ridiculous.
RELATED:
» QB Index: Jennings holds his ground at No. 3
» Landry: 5 takeaways from Week 6
» Steinberg’s MMQB: Calgary, Mitchell’s success in 2016 not a surprise
Jonathon Jennings’ star keeps on rising after another solid performance in Week 6 (The Canadian Press)
Let’s do the basic math for a second. Jennings set up to throw from the 39 yard line and threw a pass that hit Gore on the backside shoulder just past the goal line right on the sideline. That ball was thrown on a rope travelling close to 50 yards with pinpoint precision to a spot that allowed for only Gore to have made a play on the ball. This play was so good that Gore’s catch, which was a testament to body control, athleticism and dexterity, is the second most impressive thing in that moment. That throw and catch combination was just so perfect that you really can’t blame Calgary’s Deron Mayo who technically is the one that was “beat” for that touchdown.
Now of course Jennings has a long way to go to being a true star in this league. Look no further than his brutal fourth quarter interception with his team up 41-33 with under two minutes to go. The smart/right move is you take the sack or throw the ball away. Instead, Jennings threw off his back foot into traffic and suddenly Calgary has the ball. Two plays later, Bo Levi Mitchell found Bakari Grant and what looked like a sure Lions win turned into overtime which turned into a deflating loss.
These teams have played twice with the margin of victory being two and three points. I can’t wait for Part III in Week 9.
