[Editor’s note: Emmy-nominated reporter Michele Tafoya, a key member of NBC’s Sunday Night Football, recently interviewed by phone long-time NFL coach Tom Moore regarding his recent work with quarterback Andrew Luck. Her initial item regarding Moore’s assessment of Luck was posted last month. Part II focuses on Moore’s assessment of Luck’s arm strength.]
MT: Tom, a number of observers have questioned Andrew Luck’s arm strength. What do you think?
MOORE: He’s got plenty of arm strength. That’s certainly not a problem. Along with arm strength the biggest thing you need is anticipation. You’ve got to be able to throw to your receiver before he gets open. There is such a small window of opportunity in the NFL. If you wait until [your receiver] comes open, the defense will be there.
MT: So no concerns about his arm strength?
MOORE: He has arm strength and great anticipation. He’s able to beat tight coverage – man-to-man where a defender’s right on you. And that involves accuracy. Those are the three most important things: arm strength, anticipation and accuracy.
MT: Can he throw the long bomb?
MOORE: Oh, yeah. He’s got great arm strength. He can make the long pass. And he’s got the ability to put some touch on the football and lay the ball over a defender’s head.
MT: So where do you think these questions about Luck are coming from?
MOORE: Who knows? Sometimes if you’re not careful you find reasons not to do things instead of finding reasons to do things. My personal opinion is that he’s got all three. But that’s me. Everybody judges him different. From my personal standpoint, I would not worry.
MT: You have spoken so glowingly about Luck. Does he have any weaknesses, anything you would correct if you were coaching him?
MOORE: It’s not a question of correcting anything. It’s a question of developing everything he’s got.
