Blazefire

August 10th, 2010 at 9:27 AM ^

His arms look less skinny, yes. He also wasn't running all over the field like a headless chicken trying to avoid Defensive Ends, but that was probably because their weren't any out there.

I only want Tate to fix ONE thing. If he can just stop holding the ball like he was carrying a loaf of bread home from the store when he runs, he can be my QB as long as he wants.

Joined: 04/17/2009

MGoPoints: 25038

briangoblue

August 10th, 2010 at 11:00 AM ^

I just hope his breadloafing isn't inextricably tied to his improvization. Tate's instincts are the one big advantage he has. At least this year if he makes stupid mistakes Denard should be ready to play in any situation in addition to the usual "incredibly surprising quarterback draws."

Joined: 08/03/2009

MGoPoints: 5160

BlockM

August 10th, 2010 at 9:28 AM ^

Gardner still has a little bit of the shot-put action going on in his first throw in the video, but second, longer throw looked great. Seems to have pretty nice touch. He's also huge. Can't wait to see him in (hopefully) 2011

Joined: 07/03/2008

MGoPoints: 40881

Wolverine0056

August 10th, 2010 at 9:56 AM ^

I agree his second throw was nice. D-Rob worries me a little in just the way he throws the ball. A little side arm action that I have a feeling some D-Linemen will be able to bat down. So hopefully the O-Linemen are working on keeping the hands and arms down of the D-Linemen so that batted balls won't be much of a concern when D-Rob starts/plays.

Joined: 08/02/2010

MGoPoints: 7773

gonzo

August 10th, 2010 at 7:49 PM ^

But I think a large part of that may have just been because it was a little dump pass to the running back. I can imagine it must be tough to figure out how to put touch on the ball with his new mechanics. Gotta love a nice looking long ball though.

Joined: 08/06/2010

MGoPoints: 31

michiganfanforlife

August 10th, 2010 at 9:37 AM ^

will need to work on keeping the integrity of the pocket as long as possible. There were several times last year where Tate would scramble to the outside away from his protection. Sometimes just sliding a bit in the pocket will buy enough time to find the open reciever. At the end of the day, this offense will move the chains and score points. The real question is whether the defense can hold the opponents to under 21 points this year. If they can, we'll have a great season.

Joined: 05/05/2009

MGoPoints: 2788

Michigasling

August 10th, 2010 at 10:45 AM ^

A great thing about these videos is that you can stop the action, look up the jersey numbers and figure out  who you're watching.  But I see a #81 in what looks like a receiver route, and the only #81 listed on the MGoBlue-posted roster is DE Steve Watson.  Is this a drill DE's would get, or is there another #81, or is Watson changing position?  (We're getting a lot of position changes, but I can't remember a DE going over to receiver.  Tight end maybe?  Maybe the DE on the roster is a typo.  81 sounds more like a receiver number.)  Anybody with more knowledge able to clarify? 

EDIT:  Just looked up his bio.  Was a TE, switched to DE.  So maybe they're keeping their options open.

Joined: 11/21/2009

MGoPoints: 7751

Flying Dutchman

August 10th, 2010 at 10:49 AM ^

Tate definitely looks less skinny, which is great.   But Blazefire's point about him and his loaf of bread sums it all up for me.

Denard looks like a world-class sprinter wearing a helmet.

Devin looks like an NFL player.  At 18.

Joined: 09/16/2009

MGoPoints: 11466