Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford's throw got better and better every time it was replayed.
It looked fine in real time. The touchdown throw to Theo Riddick was clearly important. With 29 seconds left, Stafford hit Riddick on an 11-yard pass that ended up being the difference in Detroit's 20-16 win. The Lions have won their last three games by six combined points, and all three wins came late in the fourth quarter. Their last game, they beat the Falcons on the final play, so 29 seconds was an eternity to go.
Let's go back to the pass, because the throw itself might be under-appreciated. Stafford was rolling to his left, and Riddick was going to the end zone. Dolphins safety Reshad Jones had very good coverage. Their was a tiny window for Stafford. With the Lions in field-goal range for a tie, not many quarterbacks even try the throw.
Stafford flicked his wrist, delivered a sidearm pass that was the equivalent of a 98 mile-an-hour fastball, and squeezed it into that window. Touchdown (after a pretty lengthy review). Ballgame. The Lions are 7-2.
Would you teach those mechanics? Probably not. But that's what can make Stafford the thrill ride he is for the Lions. The velocity and accuracy were tremendous, especially considering that he made the play on the move.
Stafford will make his share of mistakes, doing things like throwing sidearm to a tightly covered receiver. Sometimes it won't turn out so well. Sometimes it'll be a game-winning score. It definitely turned out well on Sunday, and the Lions won an entertaining game against a pretty strong Dolphins team.
What's next for the Lions and Stafford? Who knows. They've been in good spots before and couldn't finish. Whatever happens, it will likely be exciting.
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Frank Schwab is the editor of Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at shutdowncorner@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @YahooSchwab
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