Denard's throwing(NOT AN INJURY THREAD)

First thing first, anybody who seriously considers bullying Denard as an option is literally INSANE.  Remember, we're talking about the defending Big Ten Offensive Player of the year, who won player of the week just TWO weeks ago.  He also put up 293 yards of total offense in today's game in a 3 touchdown margin of victory on an undefeated team.

I seriously think it all has to do with how he plays his game.  I actually saw a great comment about this on twitter today:

"Denard Robinson ran for 200 yards and passed for 93. If numbers were other way around, would Michigan fans be happier? What the difference?"

The truth is that it literally makes almost NO difference.  He's in the game because he is the most explosive player in the game and gives any team the chance to win.

Also, it looks as if the throwing problems deal mainly with setting his feet and timing issues.  Things that should sort out, but we'll see as the season progresses

I swear, if I see one more post suggesting Denard switch to a Percy Harvin type player....

KABOOM!

Look, our defense just showed up big today.  We dominated a team that most people were worried about losing to.  The game was NEVER in doubt today.  Let's just enjoy it and worry about MSU when we play them in two weeks.  Denard still has a game against Minny next week and maybe he'll look a little better than.

I don't think there is a single CFB fan who doesn't like Denard.  He is the most exciting player going, and I suspect every Michigan fan agrees.  That doesn't mean that -- right now -- his passing isn't awful, and if the INTs don't stop, a liability.  If he improves, no problem.  I think the main concern -- not a "whine" -- is that if there is not improvement, the current quality of the passing game is going to be counterproductive in conference play.  That is not a concern to simply wave your hands at.  Personally, I agree with those few who suspect it's a mental hang-up right now -- one that will ease with more reps and game-speed experience.

You don't know that playing in the slot will "earn him millions in the long run" What if he isn't even good in the slot? as a reciever or an RB? As a QB, he's learning the routes, he's learning the entire offense. At his pro-day he'll probably do the things the scouts want him to do, like run the routes, catch balls, etc. Might as well let an NFL team decide to take the risk on grooming him to another position.

Denard has serious upside on his passing game.  He's got the arm...he just needs to rep it out.  If he gets injured ... Devin is ready to go.    He ran for 200 yards.  What is the panic here?

The D responded!  This team is improving and hasn't lost a game.  Why would you move him out of QB?  That would be hitting the panic button.

Where is Elno?...have a cookie.

Well, at least we're beyond the "he needs to be switched to cornerback" threads.

Borges looks like a sneaky frog sittin up there in the box. Is he really short? He barely makes it over the table when he's sitting up there. Whatever the case, I have a feeling this guy has a few tricks up his sleeve. He's a little old school, been around the block (pond...ribbit) a few times. He knows all the teams have film on Denard from last season, so why not unleash on them what they already know? No doubt he saw the film from last year and he knows what Denard is capable of and what he struggles with in the passing game. He's brought the screen passes out when we really needed them. I don't think anything will change until the MSU game, Minnesota and NW don't really pose a significant challenge. I think eventually when we get to the meat of the schedule (@ 6-0), teams will still load the box and challenge Denard to throw, and Borges will be like, "Oh, here are all these passing plays that will burn the defense!" I'm not worried at all, and it's really nice to have some faith that the coaches know what they are doing and aren't resorting to stuffed animals on the sidelines. How about that defense? Kicker Fail.

UF didn't try and play Percy Harvin at the QB position for a reason......and it wasn't because Tebow was there, its because Harvin was already playing the correct position

I dont think hes the most electric. His lateral movement is not all that good. His speed is great though and thats all he has right now til he learns how to throw the ball. He's taken a step back from last year when it comes to slinging the rock.

Yeah, because athletes at QB never have success at other positions in the NFL....  If you can't find a use for Denard in the NFL you shouldn't be coaching.  I expect the offense to adapt and progress to his skills as the season moves along.

I only agree with the part that his passing game sucks.  He's still so explosive that it only makes sense to keep him as QB.  Also, he's clearly the heart and soul of this team.  He needs to be at that position.  As long as our running game continues its success and grows then we should allow him the opportunity to make plays.  However, we are definitely going to loose some games on account of a shaky passing game.

How about that big "D", ehh?

I only agree with the part that his passing game sucks.  He's still so explosive that it only makes sense to keep him as QB.  Also, he's clearly the heart and soul of this team.  He needs to be at that position.  As long as our running game continues its success and grows then we should allow him the opportunity to make plays.  However, we are definitely going to loose some games on account of a shaky passing game.

How about that big "D", ehh?

If he can start hitting those throws a little more frequently than now and again, those last two homes games will be for a trip to Indy. That's what's at stake. Michigan is basically undefendable by any of those first 6 Big Ten teams if he can more consistently make throws we've seen him make here and there.  He has the ability. We've seen it.

This defense looks competent enough and might even be better than that.  The defense is evidence of what's possible with elite coaching and a little maturity.

With Denard: saying he needs to switch positions because he'll never do it is extreme. Same as people saying he can't be expected to make these throws. These guys are almost always wide open or facing man coverage and our receivers are beating them. He is expected to hit those as Michigan's quarterback and if he can't, it will limit the results.  

Blaming him or apologizing for him doesn't do any good. The man has to execute like we know he can for this team to have a big season of 10 plus wins, playing for the division in November, and a top flight bowl game.

He came to UM because few others were willing to give him the chance to play QB.    So... I doubt he will be begging to be switched to a new position.

Furthermore Hoke would be stupid to switch to a new QB mid-season with only 2 other QBs on the roster and 1 of those 2 having only the most limited of playing time....

Now for the panic button.  Go watch the EMU game again.   The BTN announcers mentioned that Denard didn't throw much during practice the prior Thursday because his shoulder was sore.   So.... there it is.

First year in a new offense. Remember his first year in RR's offense wasn't pretty either, then he made strides in the offseason and dramatically improved his passing game. I expect the same thing to happen between this year and next.

Keep in mind too the offense in new for his receivers as well. At least last year, the receivers had a couple years in the system by the time Denard was named the starter.

I'll bet Bo would say that you want your best athlete at QB which we have, no doubt.  Wouldn't it be crazy if we put Devin Garder in the backfield for Denard to pitch to for a pass or run?  I know, I know, but wouldn't that be interesting to see and put the defenses off balance?

I think it's funny on here that some people will defend anything Denard does like he can do no wrong. Just because people criticize him it isn't like they don't support him or Michigan and you're plain out blind if you see no problems in Denard's game.

If there was a reliable throwing QB on the team it might not be the worst to run some plays with Denard lined up as a running back but if anyone's suggesting he should switch positions for any other player currently on the team is crazy because he is far superior.

Clearly the solution to all our problems.

/levity

I think it has a lot to do with trying to make A LOT more down field throws. Last year he hit a ton of slants with YAC. Hopefully he'll get the hang of ithe new offense more as the season goes on.

You've got about 20+ games left with Denard. You better enjoy him before you miss him.

is NOT a quarterback! To me he is a running back that can throw a little bit. The coaches should move him to slot reciever or TB, in those positions he has a better chance of getting to the NFL. He will NOT make it as e quarter back. Maybe with Devin in there and Denard the team will be a little more balanced! Just my two cents....

We're a running/option team that can pass sometimes. Deal with it.