The Harrington Family Foundation

A) I don't have much time during the season but I would like to do some type of benefit concert or piano appearance in the off season in Detroit. I'm in the process of talking about when and where it might take place. Certainly, it would involve some type of charity.

A) Thank you for the kind words. I am very appreciative of all the positive emails and comments I have received recently. It is nice to know that there are so many fans who understand that it takes time to turn a team around and win consistently. I am confident that the Lions will do it!

A) Setting your feet is very important but it is only one piece of a successful pass. You can't throw flat footed. When you take the snap you need to have your weight on the balls of your feet as you drop. When you throw the ball you are pushing off your back foot which is planted. Being right handed I am pushing off with my right foot just like a baseball pitcher is pushing off from the mound. It's the same idea when you are throwing on the run. Thanks.

A) It was nice to meet you too, Erich. I had a great day with my family and it looked like you were as well. Glad to hear you are playing football. I played CYO when I was your age. The most important thing is to remember to have fun playing with your friends.

A) I started playing QB when I began playing football in the fifth grade. My advice to you is while it's important to have a dream or goal, remember to have fun along the way. There is a lot to learn in youth sports about having fun, learning to compete and teamwork. Playing sports will make your elementary and high school years very enjoyable. If it works out that you can play at the college and NFL level, good for you!

A) Thanks for the note. Probably the toughest throw for me is the deep post/corner route. You have to be very careful that you don't underthrow the ball since there is usually a corner just under the receiver and, of course, he will pick it off. The receiver will many times have a safety above him and the safety will pick an overthrow. The ball has to be delivered right on the money.

A) Because of my schedule with practice and games, it leaves very little time to play the piano as much as I would like. I had my great grandmother's Baldwin piano restored and shipped to Detroit a few years ago. It now is in my living room and I will sit down and play just for relaxation - usually in the evening after practice. I have been meaning to take jazz piano lessons again but that will have to wait until after the season.

A) Education has always been very important in my family. In fact, my father just retired as a high school principal. My parents were very involved in my education and insured that I was doing well in school before I was allowed to play athletics. I was very fortunate to have great teachers from kindergarten through my university years. I still see many of my grade school teachers and keep in close contact with the staff from my high school. I try to give something back to both of these schools each year in thanks for my education there. Graduating with a business degree from the University of Oregon was a great moment for me and I intend to support that university as well in the years to come. My favorite subjects in school were probably math, social studies and music.

A) The thing I noticed right away as a rookie was how quick the game was compared to the college level. As a QB in the NFL you have to throw the ball to where you anticipate the receiver will be rather than waiting for the receiver to come open as you can sometimes in college. In the NFL the defensive backs are very good at disguising their coverages and baiting you to throw the ball and then jumping the route. Recognizing this and reacting is why it takes longer for a young QB to develop in the NFL.

A) We are really happy as a team about where we find ourselves after four games. That was a big win over Atlanta. One of the most important things in being a successful QB throwing the ball is to have confidence in your offensive line and I do. Even though I was sacked 3 times those things happen. At the snap of the ball you don't have any time to worry about being sacked. You are too busy working through your progressions. If your primary receiver is covered you need to be able to go quickly to your secondary receivers in the pattern. All this has to happen in 3-4 seconds. What is most impressive about defensive linemen in the NFL is not their size but their strength and quickness. You learn to feel the pass rush. It can be pretty exciting in the pocket!