Breakdown Sports: Shea Patterson Film Breakdown and How He Fits

Submitted by Space Coyote on
I’ve fielded a few questions about my thoughts on the Shea Patterson situation. I did something similar for Jake Rudock when he transferred from Iowa to Michigan, so I figured I’d take a brief look at what he would bring to the table. In doing so, it is essentially not to just look at highlights, but also look at his weaknesses and his worst performances.
 
Let’s make one thing clear, the primary reason, above all other reasons, that Michigan is looking to bring in Patterson is because he is incredibly talented. His game is far from without flaws, but in my opinion, bringing him in is much less about the current roster and the staff’s trust in that roster and much more about what Patterson potentially brings to the table. Let’s take a look, and hopefully this isn't all for naught.
 
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Lawyer12

December 8th, 2017 at 12:11 PM ^

I happen to think Patterson’s upside and talent are far too much to pass up. I believe he will be the starter, but I obviously could be wrong. Even so, if Peters or Mccaffrey are true leaders they will be pushed by a talented player and driven to excel. If they don’t, Patterson starts and will be extremely good.

I also am very hopeful that Patterson’s “weaknesses , e.g., not getting off his primary read quickly enough, are the exact type of things that Harbaugh can help a QB improve. His flaws are things that can be improved and not based on a lack of physical talent.

Joined: 12/17/2012

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Lawyer12

December 8th, 2017 at 12:17 PM ^

My main concern is chemistry. A transfer sometimes has difficulty melding with the team, especially a QB who walks into a situation with viable QB options already embedded in the roster. This, asking with the fact that several Ole Miss teammates may come with him, has a potential to split the team into cliques. I hope the guys, and staff, are mature and aware enough to embrace the competition and form a team, regardless of who wins the starting position.

Joined: 12/17/2012

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The Fan in Fargo

December 8th, 2017 at 12:29 PM ^

Nice work you ugly Coyote! Cant wait to see this stallion in the winged helmet and

See the source imagehere's to every other college team in the country.

Joined: 09/04/2016

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garde

December 8th, 2017 at 12:29 PM ^

I'll be happy if Patterson comes because it will bring more depth and competition to the QB positon. However, I suspect Peters will be our starter against ND. Sure, Shea has more qualities than Peters, but as we know, Harbaugh doesn't want his QB turning the ball over. If Shea doesn't clean that up in spring and fall practices, as well as becoming better at stepping up into the pocket, accuracy issues, kepping his eyes down the field, and progressing through reads, then Peters will start. (Assuming he makes strides from now through fall camp). Then again, if the o-line doesn't step up, we will see 2 or 3 QBs again.

As I posted the other day, I saw a lot of JOK in Shea's tape. Don't get me wrong, he made a ton of plays that one shakes their head in disbelief. However, I saw plays that were JOK'esque.(Not as extreme though)

Other concerns: Peters relationship with the WRs. In the off season, how many returning starters will work in their off time with Shea? We've alread heard how JOK and Speight battled over that. If that happens again, it might take longer for Shea to adapt to a new offense.

In the end, let coach roll the balls out and see how it shapes up. However, I am nowhere confident that Shea is a lock to start depsite his talent.

I am even more excited for the Outback Bowl to see what Peters can do with 4 weeks of practice as the clear #1.

Joined: 02/26/2015

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MGoStrength

December 8th, 2017 at 12:45 PM ^

Do two good QBs hurt each other or help each other.  The problem is they are in the same class and have the same amount of eligibility.  Having piece of mind is an important psychological thing, particularly to athletes.  Going through 3 years of flip flopping who the starter is won't work out well.  We need a clear #1 and #2 and my hunch is whoever winds up #2 goes elsewhere.  I would just hate to run Peters out of town so my loyalty is to the current guy.

Joined: 07/29/2010

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RoseBowl78

December 8th, 2017 at 4:55 PM ^

I'm thinking BP running out of town based on not being handed the starting job with three years of eligibility remaining would be evidence that he's not the kind of competitor that's needed for a championship team. Add Speights departure and this is a no-brainer.

Joined: 11/05/2016

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buddhafrog

December 8th, 2017 at 1:36 PM ^

Jim Harbaugh finally has the player he wishes he could have been - even more than Luck, I think Shea has those attributes about athleticism, cockiness, grit, gun-slinger that Harbaugh wishes he had possessed.

And thus, I predict national title and Heisman Trophy and shut up I don't care I'm going all in!

Joined: 09/28/2009

MGoPoints: 21378

diehardalum

December 8th, 2017 at 1:54 PM ^

Shea’s obviously on another level of talent than we’ve had in awhile. I’m not saying Peter’s can’t get there, but Shea’s gonna set the bar very high. In any case more tough competition for QB is good for the team. I hate jumping the gun on predictions as much as the next guy, but dammit this Is reason to be geeked about next year! Go Blue!

Joined: 11/25/2009

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Wal-Mart Wolverine

December 8th, 2017 at 2:33 PM ^

I wonder what Peter's dad thinks about all this shit going on ? I read a while back that he was busting Harbaugh's balls for not playing his son enough.

Joined: 01/03/2016

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Sten Carlson

December 8th, 2017 at 2:55 PM ^

Great breakdown, SC! I’m thrilled to see SP in Maize and Blue next season. Only Michigan fans wring their hands about brining in one of the top QB recruits from just a few years ago. How often have we seen other teams do this and collectively lament about Michigan not doing the same? I get that there could be “fallout” from this (if it actually happens) but why would it be any different than a true freshman EE, like Milton, coming in and showing a lot of game? I liked what BP showed in his limited time at the helm — he’s got a lot of potential. But, I also agree with others who have said there seems to something simmering under the surface between Harbaugh and BP. Obviously, this is pretty much uninformed speculation, but I just get the sense that Harbaugh believes 100%s in BP’s ability, but not his attitude. I guess we’ll find out more as time goes on whether by reports or actions. FWIW, if it were me and I was in BP’s position, I’d take this bowl season and the offseason as THE moment in time when I put the pedal to the metal training, building timing, and taking everything the coaches have given me and improving as much as possible. Carpe Diem! Embrace the chanllenge, and may the best man win!

Joined: 11/16/2009

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Arb lover

December 8th, 2017 at 3:22 PM ^

To be fair no player expects that the coach won't try to pick up a very well developed five star recruit out of high school for the position they play. This isn't really much different as most likely at least two QBs are going to see decent play(blowouts, competition changes but hopefully no injuries).

Joined: 11/26/2017

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NOLABlue

December 8th, 2017 at 4:27 PM ^

I'm just having trouble understanding the Peters backers throwing out his performances this year as if they can even be compared. The kid threw for 50 yards against Minnesota, and never went past 157 yards in a game. 57% completions 486 yards 4 Touchdowns In 4 games against basically terrible competition. The only good defense he went against was Wisconsin and there only completed 50% of his balls. Also the dude is blind to the rush, so glad he was turning it around for us but he was a step above average. Not understanding why people are touting these stats and think that they will win us games against teams with winning records.

Joined: 09/07/2017

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RoseBowl78

December 8th, 2017 at 4:40 PM ^

I agree with this take directionally, though I think it's a little harsh on Brandon. I think he showed a lot of potential and demonstrated competence. He also faced a fair amount of duress due to o-line issues. But clearly he did not look like a world beater or a sure fire star in his limited appearances. The analysis by OP was great. Certainly Patterson has a lot of talent, and also some potential issues. I'm excited for a solid competition and a real player to emerge, and awesome QB depth to boot! 

Joined: 11/05/2016

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NOLABlue

December 8th, 2017 at 5:20 PM ^

Yeah I should make it clear that I really do like BP and think he has great potential, as a matter of fact anyone can look at my limited post history and see that I've always preferred him to our other realistic options in 2017 and think he did a fair job in turning our outlook around as the season wore along. However, the people criticizing Shea's performances against Alabama and LSU probably don't realize that Ole Miss' garbage defense basically had them behind 21-0 in an instant, he literally had to carry the team on his back and was unable to do so, but then again there's not a qb in the league that could've. Ole Miss had no rushing game and a shit defense, that would've spelled doom for any Michigan quarterback that played this season. As it stands, Shea ended up with a 150+ rating and 9 ypa, even while having to carry the offense alone. The dude has put up disgusting numbers against both weak and strong defenses, something I just think BP isn't capable of doing under any circumstance at this point. Teams will continue to stack the box and dare us to throw if we don't have a proven playmaker. That's without the obvious trouble we still have with our OL, and Peters' awareness in the pocket (or lack thereof) is terrifying and is going to get him killed again if he doesn't get it fixed. I mean the dude doesn't even see free rushers coming from his throwing side. Again I really like Peters but he would still have 1-2 years left after Shea moves on.

Joined: 09/07/2017

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RoseBowl78

December 8th, 2017 at 5:49 PM ^

Well said! I clearly remember watching Patterson in the Army AA game and feeling right there that he was a lock to be a star. The guy's got tremendous talent for sure and definitely did some impressive stuff for a not good team as a redshirt freshman, so I agree and if forced to bet would place my chips on Patterson. But I love our depth now! What a difference from the start of this year.

Joined: 11/05/2016

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EGD

December 8th, 2017 at 9:10 PM ^

Peters is a redshirt freshman. His game seems to be that of a cerebral QB who will eventually shred defenses with his timing and accuracy, but not until after he develops a very strong ability to read coverages and command his offense. Harbaugh said he wasn’t ready earlier this season and seems to have brought him along slowly once putting Peters in. But he could really be something with another year of development—or maybe it will take two more years, or it’s also possible it could take even longer or that it won’t ever happen at all. But the people expressing confidence in Peters, myself included, are doing so based on the player Peters projects to be in fall 2018–not just what we’ve seen of him so far.

Joined: 09/16/2009

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Eye of the Tiger

December 8th, 2017 at 7:06 PM ^

...and unlike our other two QBs in 2017, he didn't make a lot of mistakes. There's a ton of potential there, and people (rightly, in my opinion) expect major growth for him in 2018. That said, the idea of starting Peters with McCaffery as the primary backup is serious cause for concern. There have been QB injuries in each of Harbaugh's 3 years. Even if you want Peters to start, you'd want a guy like Patterson ready to come in.

Joined: 09/14/2009

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M-Dog

December 8th, 2017 at 5:51 PM ^

Is he consistent?

I'm watching the videos of all his great highlight throws, and then I look at the scores later in the videos and it's Ole Miss 6 - T&M 21, Ole Miss 3 - Alabama 52, and so on.

He's obviously not making those kind of highlight throws all throughout the game.

Can he sustain drives and put up points consistently?

How is he in the red zone when the defense is compacted?

 

Joined: 07/06/2008

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Eye of the Tiger

December 8th, 2017 at 6:59 PM ^

Jokes aside, he sounds like a better version of O'Korn. Similar skill set, similar weaknesses, but a better balance between the two. And "more balanced O'Korn" probably wins the MSU and OSU games, so it would be nice to have that kind of guy pushing Peters. That said, if your assessment is accurate, I'd prefer to have Peters start.

Joined: 09/14/2009

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DTOW

December 8th, 2017 at 7:43 PM ^

I don't really buy all the worry about Peters or DCaf transferring.  DCaf especially isn't going anywhere as he'd be lined up to be the starter upon Patterson's eligibility expiring.  Also, in case people forgot we tried to land JT Daniels.  He would have without a doubt have come in and been the starter over what we have and nobody was saying we shouldn't offer him because it would upset Peters.  How is this any different?  If you have a chance to get a higher level of talent that what you have at the most important position on the field then you do it.

Joined: 08/31/2013

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BlueMichigan

December 9th, 2017 at 2:56 AM ^

in particular, Michigan football, sets the odds at "95 %" that Shea Patterson will commit to play football for Michigan. He also said that Patterson is one season only and then commits to the NFL draft and Michigan will not lose any of its current scholarship quarterbacks.

Mr. Bacon is currently on a book tour promoting his latest book,"The Great Halifax Explosion. " John Bacon spoke to us this evening in Beverly Hills, CA at a University Alumni Club of Los Angeles event. This was the response he gave to me to a question I posed to him prior to his presentation. 

 

A little plug ..... this book tells a fascinating Canadian - United States story. Buy the book at Amazon or your favorite bookstore and support a Michigan graduate and teacher !

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