By Rich Tandler
Warpath Confidential Historian
Second-year quarterback Colt Brennan is one of Jim Zorn’s pet projects. And, while Brennan does have an unorthodox throwing motion, Zorn is looking elsewhere to try to improve his performance.
Brennan, in fact, has resisted attempts to alter the way he throws the ball.
“I’m not here to brag or anything,” he said after a recent practice, “but I was the most accurate passer in the history of college football (he completed 70.4% of his passes at Hawaii). Why change something that’s been so productive.”
Zorn has told Brennan that he’s not going to completely change his throwing angle, which ranges from sidearm to three-quarters overhand. The classic NFL passing style is to throw off of your ear in an overhand motion, the idea being to have a quick motion and to have the ball coming from an angle that can get it over the charging defenders.
Still, Zorn is willing to work with Brennan on his motion. “He hasn’t attacked” his throwing style, said Brennan. “He’ll say ‘make sure you get your arm up, don’t go sidearm.”
One thing that Zorn won’t let slide, however, is Brennan’s footwork. It’s a matter of trying to “rhythm up” his drop back.
Brennan rarely went from behind center while at Hawaii, working almost exclusively from the shotgun. Five- and seven-step drops were not part of the package in June Jones’ spread offense.
“I tend to take little steps,” said Brennan. “[Zorn] is a rhythmic thrower.”
“When [Zorn] says drop back it’s 1—2—3—4—5 steps,” he explained, deliberately and, yes, rhythmically reciting the numbers.
“I do it like 1—2—3-4-5”, Brennan continued, rattling off the last numbers quickly.
“He’s trying to rhythm up my footwork and that’s what he’s been harping on,” he said.
Repeating what could be a new Zorn-ism to go along with “stay medium”, Brennan said, “Today he was getting my feet to rhythm up.”
It’s not second nature for him yet. “Hopefully after two weeks, three weeks I’m doing what he asks me and he’s happy with what I’m doing.”
So the bottom line is that if Colt Brennan wants to move up on the depth chart he will need to rhythm up.
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The big problem for Colt right now is Chase Daniels. Guy is outplaying him by a mile. I don’t know if Colt feels the pressure or not, but forget about the number 2 spot — his roster spot could be on the line.
I wouldn’t worry a whole lot, Andrew. There still is a long way to go. And, frankly, if Colt can’t beat out a 6-0 player with a year less experience than he has he’s probably nothing special anyway.
Andrew are you serious? Chase is outplaying who? What camp are you watching? QB is already etched in stone man, Brennan will be the #3 QB, right where he belongs. Chase hasn’t done anything to warrant a serious look thus far, and I seriously doubt he will.
I agree with Chris. Obviously Tand and Andy are dreamers. Why the hate for a #3 QB who’s suppose to be a project anyway? You’re the one writing about him…slow day in the NFL?
How about Colt moves into the #2 spot with Danial at #3 and Collins is out??? Ever ponder that scenario??
Andrew…get your head out!!! Colt is making better plays that Collins, let alone Chase. Footwork, progression, quick elease, zip, accuracy..Colt is doing it.
I think the Redskins may decide to keep Daniels and Brennen to compete next season for the starting job if Campbell takes off. But only if Daniels looks good. They may also feel that if they cut Collins no one will pick him up and they can phone him to come on back if injuries force the situation. If Daniels impresses ofcourse. A scenario where they actually keep all their QBs.
Dont change your throwing COLT, go somewhere they will let you be yourself and win superbowls. You cant teach talent only strengthen it with coaching or destroy it with negative ideas.
Colt Keep da KOKO do what needs to be done.There’s a Star in the skys and it rises every nite and it is also Bright.IMUA