We talk a ton about the varying qualities we want in quarterbacks: accuracy, reading defenses, leadership, work ethic, etc.  I wonder if we under-sell release.  A slow release can kill you (Byron Leftwich) and an elite release can shred defenses.  Remember Dan Marino's release?  I hated it, but I'd be a fool not to respect it.

In an era where quarterbacks are thrown into the fire too often, maybe the release is the key for a young quarterback to get some added time to read complex nfl defenses.  Plus, defensive backs have less time to react to the throw.  I'm not Der Jaeger, so I don't know if we have elite quarterbacks successfully using a quick release to compensate for things like arm strength or long routes (maybe Rivers or Brees?).  I'm just thinking that if we have a quarterbacks who are going to be projects, I'd much rather have a guy with an elite release.  To me, an elite release can turn a qb with good work ethic and accuracy (notice I didn't say rocket arm) into a franchise guy.  

It's part of the reason I'm not willing to dismiss a guy like Ponder.  Nice release.  Good accuracy.  Hard worker.