Should there be "play" in the accelerator pedal?

[shertex]

I don't know if this is a new development or just something I never noticed....but there is about 3/4 of an inch of play in the accelator pedal, i.e. I depress about 3/4" before any throttle movement. Is something out of adjustment? I also notice, perhaps not coincidentally, that the little spring at the end of the cable is loose, i.e. it moves freely along the cable. Could that be the problem or is it supposed to be like that?

Thanks.