Mike Pettine Gives a Scouting Report on Philip Rivers

by John B on Oct 22, 2011 8:53 AM EDT

Mike Pettine talked about one area the Jets can frustrate Philip Rivers.

"We talk about it when we give the scouting report," Pettine said. "I think it's critical for our defensive line to understand, that if [they] get stalemated on the rush, then go ahead and get a hand up. He's 6-foot-5, but the release point is not that of somebody that is 6-5. It's documented that he's had more than an average amount of balls deflected on him. That's always something for our guys.

"And he's also a guy, he doesn't have the biggest arm in the world, and most quarterbacks like to step into their throws. Some can do it, some have strong enough arms where they can be falling away and make a throw, but most can't. So that's always a thing for us, that hey, listen, if I do get stuck, just keep pushing the pocket, and anytime we can throw bodies at the feet of a quarterback, we should be in good shape."

Rivers' unorthodox mechanics were one of the questions people had about him before the 2004 NFL Draft. Pettine is right. His low delivery potentially leaves him more vulnerable to getting passes knocked down at the line. You always hear height talked about regarding quarterback prospects. The ability to get the ball over the line is one reason height is considered important (but not the only one). Rivers plays smaller than his 6'5" frame as a result of his low release point.

Given the way the pass rush is when the Jets do not blitz, those linemen are going to have to get their hands up a lot.

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