One of the toughest plays to defend in football today is the back-shoulder throw. A defensive back can be in perfect position against his receiver, but a well-placed throw to his receiver can still result in a completion. Or, on this throw from Justin Herbert to Donald Parham Jr., a touchdown:
Beautiful back-shoulder throw from Justin Herbert! Donald Parham Jr. comes down with the @Chargers TD.
📺: #LACvsTB on CBS
📱: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app: https://t.co/wvEEn0SFTV pic.twitter.com/VO4Z20QpIQ— NFL (@NFL) October 4, 2020
That is the situation that cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting finds himself in on this play. He employs inside leverage on this snap, forcing Parham to the outside, and when Herbert lets this pass go, the cornerback is draped all over the receiver, in almost textbook technique.
But Herbert puts the throw on the back shoulder of Parham, and the receiver adjusts perfectly. The defender does not have a chance, if he tries to get to the football he’ll have to go through Parham, which likely draws a defensive pass interference call. Instead, Herbert’s perfect throw and Parham’s great adjustment leads to six.
