Peyton Manning can play, but can he throw?

TJ Johnson Feb 8, 2012 5:32 PM

Kravitz: Manning not “throwing like an NFL quarterback yet”
profootballtalk.nbcsports.com

“I know some of the people that have seen him throw,” Indianapolis Star columnist Bob Kravitz said Tuesday on the Tony Kornheiser Show on 980 ESPN. “They say he’s not throwing like an NFL quarterback yet. That doesn’t mean he never will. This thing is going to take time. Structurally, he’s sound. Structurally, he can take a hit.”

I’m glad we had this talk. Now, vaya con Dios, Brah.

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ohh ya - I think that you misread my comment. I didn't mention any damage to the C7 spinal nerve, and much of your commenting was based on that. I simply pointed out that the problem that he's had 3 surgeries in 18 months for involves the origins of the brachial plexus and defined them, as well as mentioning that the plate doesn't protect the areas above and below it.
Posted by Doc Bear on 2012-02-09 14:59:39 There is more than one nerve that controls the arm and their is some collateral innervation so its tough to say. If what Doc says is true and their is damage to the C7 spinal nerve, I would expect significant damage to the radial nerve which is pretty bad. There will be loss of function in all the extensors of the arm and forearm. Definitely will effect throwing, may even have wrist drop. Since the damage was done to the spinal nerve its possible for it to grow back but considering his age I would not be to optimistic about a swift recovery. Furthermore, I would expect significant hypertrophy of all his extensors as well as his rotater cuff muscles and lattisimus dorsi. Excluding the actual nerve growth alone, the time it would take to get the strength back in those muscles cannot be ignored. If he plays next year I would not expect anything from him. In 2 years I think he will have a shot (if his nerve does grow).
Posted by ohh ya on 2012-02-09 01:37:41 Doc Ponderosa and I have talked about this a few times. Manning may even make it back to playing at an NFL level - perhaps even his previous level, although that's still questionable. But screwing a plate to the anterior (front) of the two vertebrae doesn't eliminate the effects of future impacts - it just refers it up or down the neck. Since the nerve that controls the arm starts at the 4th vertebra and ends at the 8th opening (C7, lower level), just plating two of them together isn't a magic wand. I wish him nothing but good, but if I were him, I'd look seriously at retirement. I know that's hard for NFL players, but I'd like to see him get old without severe pain.
Posted by Doc Bear on 2012-02-08 22:17:44 Since when has not throwing like an NFL quarterback stopped anyone?
Posted by ohiobronco on 2012-02-08 17:37:26

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