Quote:
Originally Posted by duncan_idaho
Also, re: Vernon Davis TDs in that NFC championship game...
The second one was a nice throw to get it underneath the safety. Davis toasted his coverage off the line. The coverage over the top was the only thing that made that tough.
The 73-yarder, he had 2-4 steps on the defender and no help over the top when Smith hit him. That play was not about Alex Smith (though credit to him for not missing a wide-open receiver 25-30 yards downfield). It was about a blown coverage and Vernon Davis' freaky speed.
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That is the only way Alex is willing to throw down field. His receiver must have complete separation with 0% chance for interception. He won't take a risk beyond that.
I don't know if that is because he has never been very accurate, or due to loss of confidence or ability from the shoulder injury, or just an innate aversion to risk.
He played the short game in college and rarely went down field. And that is how he plays as a pro. He will throw deep to an isolated receiver who is wide open, especially as the primary read. Otherwise, he refuses to risk an interception throwing to a receiver down field if a DB is in the proximity.