As long as the Dallas O-line can protect Johnson I really don't see this as a big deal. I don't follow Dallas that much, but it does look like the O-line is not holding up as well as in the first few games. No more 5 seconds in the pocket to make a decision. Perhaps Dallas will focus some more on their running game which isn't that bad of an idea to begin with even with Romo behind centre.

That was kind of my first thought too, but I remember playing with my thumb right next to my index finger being a goof on the field. I could still throw it accurately, but my 40yd pass became a 33-35yard pass. It essentially required more arm strength.

When my dad and coaches were instructing on how to throw a football... the pinky (and other fingers) was mentioned quite often and where its placed. Some QB's keep it close to the ring finger and some (including me) spread it deep.

So I think if he's one of those who spreads his pinky finger deep, it'd be a problem more so than a thumb. But if he keeps it close to his ring finger, I'd have to side with the thumb being more damaging than pinky.


In reality, it all depends on how he grips the ball and how he releases the ball. It's not as simple as a thumb or pinky being more important.