It takes a special confidence to complete a sidearm throw in the NFL. Guys like the Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes have practically mastered the unconventional release/big play, but it’s not exactly routine. If you’re a quarterback who even attempts a sidearm throw, you better be darn sure your release and accuracy are on point.
Titans rookie signal-caller Malik Willis might have such an exceptional talent, and he showed it against the Cardinals (+3) on Saturday night.
Late in the first half, with Tennessee near the red zone, Willis had a wide-open Treylon Burks streaking across the middle of the field. At first glance, Willis simply dropped off an easy throw that let Burks take off straight into the end zone:
Give the people what they want! 🙌🏽 @TreylonBurks
📺: Watch #AZvsTEN on @WKRN pic.twitter.com/J6ecfTutPZ
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) August 28, 2022
Nice! But we see those throws and catches in the NFL all the time. Nothing too grand.
Wait a minute. Willis had a defender in his face. That meant he had to adjust the trajectory of his pass. He had to throw it around the pass rusher. Look at this ridiculous angle of Willis’ creativity:
This sidearm throw from Malik Willis 👀
🎥 @NFL | @Titans pic.twitter.com/vJEoeybv2T
— The Athletic NFL (@TheAthleticNFL) August 28, 2022
Wow. How about the poise to stand in the pocket and make the sidearm toss without missing a beat, too? Depending on how matters progress in Nashville, maybe we see the rookie start in Tennessee sooner rather than later.
