Let Cade Cook?
To borrow a phrase popularized by fans of Russell Wilson, it's time to Let Cade Cook. I finally got around to my usual 2nd, less intense, watch of the Michigan football game, and from what I saw, the fortunes of this football team rest on the shoulders of Cade McNamara. This young man, with still less than 10 starts, was often surgical with his reads and ball placement versus MSU. With continued opportunities, Cade's confidence will allow him to make more risky throws, throw more 50/50 balls, and put deep throws right on receivers (the deep ball to Sainristil in the 4th quarter, notwithstanding). .
With McNamara at the helm, Michigan's offense should throw the ball no less than 40 times per game. Cade passing the ball is what will allow this team to win out, and that includes beating OSU! Cade is poised, methodical, smart - utilize his skillset. Michigan needs to build on the momentum they established with their passing game versus MSU. With Andrel Anthony and Cornelius Johnson on the outside, the offense can ride the passing game for the rest of the season. Let Cade Cook! He's capable, he's confident, and he's cool. Cade Cool... I like that!
November 5th, 2021 at 1:21 PM ^
I’m so confused by this title and the post itself. Nothing at all about food…
November 5th, 2021 at 2:03 PM ^
Seattle Seahawks fans in the summer of 2020 were voicing their frustration at Pete Carroll calling a super conversative, run heavy offense when they had a ton of talent at the QB spot with Russell Wilson along with weapons like DK Metcalf & Tyler Lockett. Eventually Seahawks Twitter summarized their pleas with the phrase “Let Russ Cook”
November 5th, 2021 at 2:13 PM ^
Right around lunch time too. How cruel.
November 5th, 2021 at 2:17 PM ^
I knew what he meant but figured he was taunting me. Our oven filament broke last weekend, and I just now got a new one put in.
All salads and takeout make Vlad something something.
November 5th, 2021 at 9:42 PM ^
Don't mind if I do!
November 5th, 2021 at 10:18 PM ^
Cade Cook is a class of 2022 baseball recruit who is committed to Lee University.
November 5th, 2021 at 1:21 PM ^
Let him cook against PSU and OSU. See if the run game can pummel the opposition against Indiana and Maryland. If they can, keep grinding that way. Shorter games against inferior teams lowers injury timeframes, and the run game is less prone to wonky plays than the pass game. If the run game struggles to get established, then by all means, let Cade sling it.
November 5th, 2021 at 1:30 PM ^
Throwing the ball will keep those lesser teams from stacking the box. MSU committed a lot of resources to stopping Michigan's run game. If we had thrown the ball a little more early in the game, ran a little more play-action, it would have allowed us to run more effectively to shorten the game in the 2nd half. I say throw it early and often this week, and let the running backs bring us home after establishing a big lead.
November 5th, 2021 at 1:34 PM ^
.....our 4th play of the game was a 93 yard TD pass. I'm not saying stuff the pass game in a locker like earlier in the season, but there is nothing wrong with running over a bad team if you're capable of it. Especially late in a season with two huge matchups left.
November 5th, 2021 at 1:40 PM ^
Of course, but that was on 3rd down. I'm talking throwing it early AND often, not just on 3rd and long. The announcers stated in the early 4th quarter that Cade had converted four 3rd & 7+. If we're throwing it more on 1st down, the defense doesn't stack the box on those early downs, and we have more running room when we do decide to run. Now that there is confidence and results in the passing attack, more 1st down passes should be forthcoming.
November 5th, 2021 at 3:57 PM ^
Did you actually watch the game or are you just gaslighting? If you don't believe your own eyes go look at UFR. Of the first 20 plays the literally threw the ball 10 times. The first series started inside the own 10 yd line. You don't know what the hell you are talking about.
November 5th, 2021 at 5:26 PM ^
I agree with throwing a bit more on first downs, but that's not exactly what you were arguing above...
November 5th, 2021 at 1:36 PM ^
Yeah, if only Michigan had thrown a 93 yard TD pass in the first half last week.
Let's look at those stats. Michigan threw the ball 48 times and ran it 34 times last week.
23 pass attempts in the first half. 17 rushes.
What are you talking about.
November 5th, 2021 at 1:51 PM ^
Before the obvious passing drive at the end of the first half (2 min drill), Michigan had 12 first down plays. They ran the ball on 8 of them. Reverse that ratio, and with Michigan's passing success, the running game can be more effective in the 2nd half of games (less likelihood of stacked boxes). That's what I'm talking about.
November 5th, 2021 at 3:27 PM ^
The team scored 33 points last week.
The offense isn't the problem.
November 5th, 2021 at 3:58 PM ^
actually 37
November 5th, 2021 at 4:09 PM ^
IU has a good run defense (at least, I watched them bottle up Walker) and did you read Opponent Watch and see those screenshots of wide open Maryland receivers? I say throw it on IU. Let's have a fun night game. Also it helps prep Anthony and crew for the big games.
And on the other hand, without Mustipher, PSU got rolled by Illinois power run game. Illinois! So the run game should be there for them.
Most of all, just crush them all with a balanced attack unless they stop one aspect / force it a certain way.
November 5th, 2021 at 1:23 PM ^
It's worth mentioning that MSU's secondary is atrocious. When they started to take away the crossers and TE stuff and make Cade beat them deep...the results were more inconsistent.
I'm not saying he wasn't impressive or that this wasn't encouraging in terms of our abliity to air it out a bit. But at heart, this is still a team that's going to win with Haskins and Corum, especially given a couple of guys like Vastardis are better at run blocking than pass blocking.
November 5th, 2021 at 1:35 PM ^
Yes, MSU's pass defense isn't good. But, they never took away the crossers and TE stuff. There were only 3 real deep shots that Cade took in the game, and hit one. Further, I think you underestimate how good our O-line has been at pass blocking. Pass rush is a strength of Sparty, and on 44 dropbacks, Cade was sacked ZERO times.
November 5th, 2021 at 1:39 PM ^
There were zero sacks, plenty of pressures. It was a solid performance, but he did get hurried a bunch and McCarthy's fumble came after Cade was receiving treatment following a huge shot.
The last couple of drives, MSU was bracketing inside receivers and forcing Cade to beat them over the top on the outside.
The pick of course the CB sank, but there was with just a minute to go so it makes sense they reverted to forcing checkdowns. But there's a reason on 3rd and 3, Michigan took a shot. MSU changed how they were playing and eventually, Cade will have to improve his accuracy over the top.
Doesn't mean there weren't huge strides there. I just think it's not enough to say we should de-emphasize what has been a dominant rushing attack.
November 5th, 2021 at 2:58 PM ^
I won't pretend that Cade didn't light it up on intermediate throws on Saturday-- he was great in that regard! But that 3rd and 3 throw was heartbreaking. That was a game-winning TD that was open, a potentially legendary play, and he missed it (and it wasn't particularly close).
Your point about the MSU secondary adjustment is so on point. There were key moments in the 4th quarter where they dared us to beat them over the top and we didn't do it. I would imagine that the remaining opponents will try the same strategy. I suppose we will need to hit some deep shots.
November 5th, 2021 at 5:13 PM ^
He was covered. It wouldn’t have been a TD.
November 5th, 2021 at 5:02 PM ^
this is a true statement. IIRC, MSU led the big ten in sacks going into last week.
That Polish Cunt Panasiuk had 5.5. I don't think he got any against us.
November 5th, 2021 at 1:38 PM ^
MSU secondary is bad but who of our last 4 opponents has a good secondary? Cade should have a great day passing against all of them. Dont make the same mistakes again and let Cade throw the damn ball 40 times each game. Fuck the run game. It has never been effective in any big game under harbaugh. Its not gonna start now. We have some elite level receivers. Use them dammit! Beat Ohio State and build on this season towards 2022. We should have an electric offense that is capable of passing 100 times per game. Im not saying to abandon the run game. But use pass first offense not the other way around. I love Corum and Haskins but does anyone think they will have 200+ yards against ohio state? USE CADE!
November 5th, 2021 at 1:45 PM ^
MSU has one of the worst pass defenses in America. PSU just held up rather well against CJ Stroud; they also gave up 367 rushing yards to Illinois. OSU's secondary has been vulnerable at times by THEIR standards; their corners are still legit NFL prospects who are light years better than MSU.
Running the ball and forcing the other team to send extra defenders into the box will be necessary to open up windows for Cade, with the exception being that empty set that he's efficient out of. But if you think Michigan should abandon Corum and Haskins, let defenses tee up on Cade in pass rush and force Michigan to dink and dunk downfield...ya that's probably not going to cut it against any of these teams besides Maryland and INdiana.
November 5th, 2021 at 1:56 PM ^
"Im not saying to abandon the run game"
um i literally said not to abandon the run game. Just change up the the scheme. A pass heavy offense might work against Ohio State. And as far as im concerned thats the only remaining game that matters. Beating Ohio State>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>making it to Indy. If we can have both that would be great too. My judgment of Harbaugh comes down to that one game. Anything else is gravy IMO.
November 5th, 2021 at 1:59 PM ^
I think you have it backwards. We are already running the ball with teams putting extra defenders in the box. That's the baseline, multiple guys in the box and we try to run it. If the better teams do that (PSU, OSU), then take advantage by using the passing attack. It's obvious by the way defenses are playing us that we'll have to pass the ball in order to open up the run.
And, I don't know why Cade was in the tent when JJ fumbled. I rewatched the previous drive and there was no big hit. He didn't even get touched on the pass into the end zone where it seemed Henning was interfered with.
November 5th, 2021 at 2:13 PM ^
well said!
November 5th, 2021 at 11:23 PM ^
Cade was in the tent to piss
November 5th, 2021 at 2:15 PM ^
Penn State has a pretty good pass defense. Probably the best Michigan will have to face since Washington.
I do think Cade is a completely different player since that early September matchup, but I don't think a "wing it around the yard" offensive strategy would be the best approach for that game. I think Michigan will have to to deploy a balanced attack, but more importantly "mix their pitches" to keep the PSU defense off balance. If the PSU defense identifies trends in Michigan's play calling, they have the defensive players to bog down Michigan's defense pretty significantly.
November 5th, 2021 at 2:52 PM ^
We should have an electric offense that is capable of passing 100 times per game
Dafuq?
November 5th, 2021 at 6:27 PM ^
100 pass attempts in an electric offense? Done.
November 5th, 2021 at 2:47 PM ^
Username checks out. You don't even think that Pinkman should cook.
November 5th, 2021 at 5:14 PM ^
I would think Gustavo Fring would be in favor of someone "cooking."
November 5th, 2021 at 5:23 PM ^
Even after Saturday, MSU is #17 in yards per attempt against at 6.4, Cade was 8.7.
And they are also #33 in Opposing QB rating, 122.96. Cade = 147.2.
They give up a lot of passing yards because their running back runs 50+ yard TDs exactly once every 35 minutes and most teams are way behind after that and have to yeet it to survive.
November 5th, 2021 at 8:58 PM ^
MSU gave up 488 passing yards to Western Kentucky. They’re giving up over 300 passing yards per game for the season. McNamara played very well, but keep it in context. And a ten yard pass with 83 yards after the catch will fluff up anyone’s stats. McNamara remains who he was.
November 5th, 2021 at 1:25 PM ^
Translated as "Let Cade Throw the Ball More" for those who didn't need the clickbait title. I was pretty disappointed to find out this post was not about Cade cooking something.
November 5th, 2021 at 2:03 PM ^
Not intended as clickbait. I'm not that guy. I simply assumed that most football sports fans were familiar with the colloquial parlance "Let Russ Cook". That phrase has been bandied about for the better part of 2 football seasons. My bad.
November 5th, 2021 at 7:22 PM ^
Don't expect that much out of this crowd.
November 5th, 2021 at 1:25 PM ^
These stream of consciousness posts are tiresome.
November 5th, 2021 at 1:33 PM ^
With respect, and I don't mean to pick on only you, you just happen to be here: the post I find most tiresome on this site is the post about whether someone else should post.
Yes, I understand the irony...
November 5th, 2021 at 2:08 PM ^
GBBlue, I agree with you. These are some of the whiniest mofos on the internet. When I see a thread that I don't care for, say a silly ass drinking thread, I just ignore it. I don't take time to neg or post on what I see as bullshit. But, I understand how petty some folks are.
November 5th, 2021 at 2:37 PM ^
With respect, and I don't mean to pick on only you, you just happen to be here: the post I find most tiresome on this site is the post complaining about others complaining.
Yes I understand the irony.
November 5th, 2021 at 1:30 PM ^
He had a great game! However...
The WR group is pretty young and inexperienced. Johnson is a first time starter with only a handful of receptions to his name coming into the season. Wilson was starting to come on when he got injured, and is a first time starter. Sainristil is a first time starter. Baldwin has experience against lesser opponents. Anthony had a great breakout game, and may well be the best of the bunch - but has only one game under his belt. Cade himself has only 10 starts.
Let these guys come together and learn, experience, gel, as part of the team, rather than as the element of the team that must carry everyone. Corum and Haskins can do that, especially with a good (and improving) pass game behind them. MSU has a butter soft pass defense - it's unlikely that PSU and OSU are going to let Cade throw for 400 yards. It needs to be a balanced offense.
That said - they can use games against Indiana and Maryland to work on the pass game. Let them carry play tomorrow to grow confidence. I'd hate to see a return to a NW approach - blatantly generic and rush-focused (but I fully expect it, anyway).
I like the idea of mixing a good pass game with a stout running game, but I can't remember the last time Michigan had reasonably consistent results from both components.
November 5th, 2021 at 1:31 PM ^
I think you let Cade throw enough to run on PSU and OSU and run enough to win with the shortened game as said before. We must master both to win the big games.
November 5th, 2021 at 1:34 PM ^
Let Cade Cunningham.
November 5th, 2021 at 1:56 PM ^
If he can learn to shoot the 3. Right now he's cooking microwave Sarah Lee Salisbury steak.
November 5th, 2021 at 2:04 PM ^
He knows how to shoot. We’re not talking about Markelle Fulton here. Just a cold streak to start his career. Hell, James Harden had a game a few years back where he went 1-17 from three. Cade being 1-21 from deep would barely be a story if it happened in a three game stretch in February instead of being the first three games of his career.
Shot the three well last year, good FT shooter. He’ll be fine.
November 5th, 2021 at 1:46 PM ^
yes. and in the red zone, can we get it to the big TEs and air it out? 7 TD passes in 8 games? cmon man.