Gardner's outstanding presence

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Denard Robinson is indeed a RB/WR playing quarterback.  There's a reason that very few schools were willing to give him a shot at quarterback.  Not that he hasn't done great things from that position, but he's very limited when it comes to playing like a traditional QB.

Reduced to the one I used to know.

I'll leave the thread but lets keep the "Denard vs. Devin" flamewar out of it.  I don't feel like going "BiSB" (i.e. MGoPostal) this afternoon.

I'll admit I was just as critical as anyone of him after watching him play last year.  He looked frequently lost and tried too often to scramble around and open up big plays with his legs, thinking his athletic advantage was as great as it was in high school (relative to the competition).  I thought (by default) Bellomy was going to be our guy moving forward until a younger player came along.

The Devin we saw in the Minnesota and Northwestern games is night and day compared to what he did last year.  His pocket presence is top notch and I think he's done an outstanding job on deciding when to tuck and run.  He's made a couple of bad decisions on his throws but other than that, he's been very intelligent and accurate with the ball.  The future is bright with this kid.

I was really impressed with Gardner's ability to "feel" the pressure in the pocket and know when to step up. There were a couple times he made a half step forward to narrowly avoid a defender coming to around the edge that he couldn't possibly have seen.

What position do we worry about in the offseason now?

If he continues to hit deep balls, as Brian pointed out, you can't defend 4 verts with a scramble-ready QB. That's going to cause nightmares next year after a solid off season as "The Guy". You already see the fruits of this labor, as those quick hitches and outs are wide open and the throws right on the money.

It's clear that this staff won't get the Denard-like prospects in the future, but maybe Devin's success will open up the possibility of getting those special 6'4 QBs who can run as well.

I have to imagine, now that Devin's on film as a guy who can pass, that we will see the "Deuce" in some form against OSU.I'm not sure how you account for Denard running, Devin's deep ball, and Devin's scrambling all in one play, but it can't be easy.

Our 2013 schedule is much more favorable than this year with an easy OOC slate that includes ND @home. Both ohio and the huskers also come to the big house which should give us the upper hand in both those games as well. That leaves only games at msu and psu being road games of any difficulty. It's way too early obviously, but there is a real chance of running the table next year with Devin at the helm and a more experienced defense leading the way assuming the O-Line is serviceable.

He seems to be a "gamer".  I love Denard as much as the next guy, but I would agree that Denard is more of an athlete playing QB.  Devin looks the part of a QB and I am excited about his future.  His presence and poise is pretty remarkable considering the very small amount of practice time and game experience.

On a separate note, am I the only one that would to see Denard incorportated into the gameplan.  His legs still work, right?  He is still our best athlete/runner?

Is that something we are waiting to spring on Ohio?

Does anybody else see a similarity to Drew Henson in Devin's game?  Mobile, seemingly heady (small sample size), decent arm with unorthodox throwing motion.  Like Drew, a heavily recruited 5 star Michigan High School QB with enough athletic ability to force coaches into getting them on the field somehow, someway.

Please tell me Devin doesnt play 3rd base.

Not disagreeing with your point that Gardner has become a very good QB but in arguing that he brings something to the position that Denard lacks I wouldn't cite two examples of things Denard can do in his sleep. Better thrower? it appears so. Better at avoiding sacks and finding the endzone on the run? Not a chance. Gardner is definitely the perfect transition to the new offense though. I hope he gets his redshirt year and outplays Braxton Miller every week for the next two years.

Sorry to say but it feels as if we had the wrong Qb at wr.....  however I prefer to see Denard at Rb... he reminds me of Chris Johnson, and think about it.... Denard can take the punishment, as hes been taking it like a man for four years now.  We should start using Denard as GB is with Randall Cobb...as a slot WR but then a RB on third down,   and returning kicks, too.... and work him into more rushing carries.  I cannot see a reason why Denard isn't just as good as Chris Johnson, or even Jamaal Charles.

Can we PLEASE not insinuate that Michigans leading yardage gainer of all time should be benched because his back up played two games and "looked good" and "is tall?"

Apparently some people can't accept these two things are both true:

a) I really, really hope Denard is healthy this week as when healthy he gives the team the best chance to win.

b) I think Devin has done a great job so far and can also be really, really special next year at QB with an offseason of practice in an offense that Borges feels most comfortable calling.

Denard is the all time yardage leader and should be given his job back when he is healthy.  However, Denard has struggled to move the ball against good defenses (see MSU 3 yrs, VT, Bama, ND)   Those teams stacked the run against him and dared him to throw, with him failing most of the time (except Junior Hemingways bailouts).

Although DG hasnt faced a legit defense yet either, its hard to just say he would have done better.  His game does seem like it could do better against the tougher D's as he has a better ability to get the ball to the receivers.  I also think Denard is a way better runner, but on designed running plays.  I honestly believe that Devin is better at scrambling and tucking and running on designed pass plays.  Idk how many times ive screamed at the TV for Denard to RUN!!! as he sits in the pocket and ends up throwing a wounded duck up for grabs.  

With our RB situation however I believe we need Denard simply for the fact that he IS our running game, and he moves the chains. 

It is an interesting topic to debate, and I dont think anyones opinion on this QB situation should be chastised because it definitely is not a no-brainer