For roughly 7 years, UM has been without a pro style QB. Some of you younger posters may have forgot what it was to have a accurate passing QB. Denard, bless his heart could not hit the broad side of a barn with a pass. DG is slightly better but in his 15-16 games has not hit a reciever in stride or completed a deep ball in his UM career. This system prevents him from using his skill sets, (Roll out passes and QB runs). He is gone next year and will neither help himself or the team at QB. The primary issue however you cut it is the QB position. If your QB can't accurately pass, he will face 8-9 man fronts with mega blitzing. Recievers can be single covered all day. Your run game goes no where, three and outs are abundant and at some point your defense gets hyperextended. MSU DC wrote the book on defending Michigan with DG. KSU, ND, and Utah took notes. Its comical to hear commentators complain about UM running woes. 8-9 man fronts, Linebackers and safety close enough to the line to get called for encroachment. DG must be a fabulous teamate and Im sure he is a wonderful guy. Degree in 3 years with probally 1-2 Masters degrees so far. Oregon just showed the world MSU's defensive weakness. Mariotta's accurate passes opened up that pressure defense with pinpoint passing. State had to totally back there safety's off and go to nickel packages. DG will never get that respect.
Will a QB change help?
All the national people and local media types are overanalyzing the heck out of this. Sometimes it takes your average but dedicated fan to help see the forest thru the trees.
Devin Gardner:
1. DG is never a threat to throw the deep ball on you. His coaches keep his throws within 20 yards of the line of scrimmage.
2. DG is less than accurate with medium range throws making single coverage possible.
3. DG is a defensive coordinators dream simplifying their game plan. Single coverage, 8-9 men in the box. Blitz at will.
4. DG is easily flustered with pressure. This has led to bad decisions, turnovers, sacks and locking on one receiver.
5. DG like DR is a skilled athlete but not a pro-style passer. DG is not the shifty runner DR was and falls victim to the 8-9 fronts he constantly faces due to his inability to effectively throw.
6. DG is a warrior but is mentally beat. The offense does not fit his skill sets. He is gun shy and damaged at this point. (Not due to lack of effort)
Shane Morris:
1. SM can throw the deep and medium range passes. SM is a prototypical QB for this Offense
2. SM was rated as high as Hackenburg in their junior years prior to getting Mono and missing senior year.
3. SM knows how to step up in the pocket (My god what a concept) without getting spooked. In limited play he has shown some ability to go thru progressions.
4. By his 3rd start, opposing DC’s will have to back up the safeties and respect the pass. Receivers will have to actually run their routes and look for the ball as they may get it.
5. As the Safeties back up and the box has 6-7 in it, the run game becomes possible.
6. This allows balance between run and pass.
7. All the sudden our line looks and feels better.
8. Coaches Hoke and Nuss, while late to the party, look like they know what is going on.
9. DG gravitates to receiver and is drafted in the 4th to 6th round with a chance to make a roster spot, as opposed to being a 3rd string QB for the Winnipeg Blue Boomers of the CFL.
Coach Hoke’s failings in this situation are his loyalty to seniors and to a truly great kid who has given us everything he has. Coach your efforts were admirable but it’s time to change things up. Every opposing DC since the MSU game has had the blue print to stop DG. The teams with the players to exploit it have killed us.
Simple observations from an average but dedicated fan. GO BLUE!!
Recent Comments
For roughly 7 years, UM has been without a pro style QB. Some of you younger posters may have forgot what it was to have a accurate passing QB. Denard, bless his heart could not hit the broad side of a barn with a pass. DG is slightly better but in his 15-16 games has not hit a reciever in stride or completed a deep ball in his UM career. This system prevents him from using his skill sets, (Roll out passes and QB runs). He is gone next year and will neither help himself or the team at QB. The primary issue however you cut it is the QB position. If your QB can't accurately pass, he will face 8-9 man fronts with mega blitzing. Recievers can be single covered all day. Your run game goes no where, three and outs are abundant and at some point your defense gets hyperextended. MSU DC wrote the book on defending Michigan with DG. KSU, ND, and Utah took notes. Its comical to hear commentators complain about UM running woes. 8-9 man fronts, Linebackers and safety close enough to the line to get called for encroachment. DG must be a fabulous teamate and Im sure he is a wonderful guy. Degree in 3 years with probally 1-2 Masters degrees so far. Oregon just showed the world MSU's defensive weakness. Mariotta's accurate passes opened up that pressure defense with pinpoint passing. State had to totally back there safety's off and go to nickel packages. DG will never get that respect.