November 13th, 2021 at 4:41 PM ^
I’m in! But I wonder why we didn’t see JJ even once today? Might have been nice to see him pull a keeper…
Edit: Easy fellas! I’ve been Team Cade since day 1. Was only asking a question and sharing an observation. If ever there was a time for JJ it would have been the 1st half when PSU was crashing the ends to make up for interior deficiencies. Harbaugh has been adamant about using him all year and I wonder what changed is all. Yes I know he fumbled twice against MSU. But Harbaugh cut him slack on the one he lost. So it may be as simple as “I trust you until you give me a reason not to!?”
November 13th, 2021 at 4:43 PM ^
I'm guessing because the coaches didn't trust him in such a close game on the road in light of the mistakes at MSU.
November 13th, 2021 at 4:47 PM ^
Bizarre thing was that it never struck me until midway through the 4th quarter that they had not put McCarthy into the game. McNamara seemed in control all the way. It never seemed like the offensive difficulties were his fault to the extent that I thought that JJ needed to come in for a bit.
November 13th, 2021 at 4:45 PM ^
He's spending the rest of the season prepping for OSU.
November 13th, 2021 at 7:35 PM ^
Cade McNamara is such a great QB he needed to stay in the whole game. No more leaving things to chance anymore.
November 13th, 2021 at 11:02 PM ^
Was about to upvotes you because i thought it was obvious sarcasm . . .
November 14th, 2021 at 7:16 AM ^
Maryland.
November 13th, 2021 at 4:43 PM ^
The guy has absolutely proven the doubters wrong these past few weeks, myself among them. He’s really rounded into form and is making some incredible throws. If it weren’t for Haskins absolutely eating defenses alive, Cade might be throwing for 300+ each and every one of these past few weeks.
November 13th, 2021 at 4:48 PM ^
162.5 passing rating this week. Not bad at all.
November 13th, 2021 at 5:17 PM ^
Let’s not go crazy, he’s very limited. His mechanics are flawed, too many back foot wobblers, and at least 2 that probably should’ve been picked. Very average QB he’s not winning you games on his own.
November 13th, 2021 at 5:33 PM ^
The "woulda-shoulda-coulda" take you're spouting can apply to ANY quarterback in ANY game, even good ones.
And last I checked, no QB "wins games on his own." There are ten other players out there, every play.
November 13th, 2021 at 6:20 PM ^
This blog was all " shoulda woulda coulda" after MSU so can it be used on here or not?? One argument can use it but not another??
November 13th, 2021 at 5:52 PM ^
You know, I'm inclined to listen to you. The I watch the throw to Wilson on a post for the first TD... That ball was ZIPPED when it absolutely had to be. And it was dead on the money. He made several other throws just like it into tight spots for first downs. He's not a 'gunslinger', but he has the tools to make the passing game work.
November 13th, 2021 at 6:05 PM ^
He's got 12 TD's and 2 INT's and is 9-1. All he does is win.
November 13th, 2021 at 6:10 PM ^
I’m willing to bet that Cade will have fine career as a backup NFL QB.
November 13th, 2021 at 8:19 PM ^
Maybe you're underestimating him?
November 13th, 2021 at 8:00 PM ^
What part of appreciation thread did you misunderstand that you felt the need to point out a bunch of flaws like a complete twat?
November 13th, 2021 at 8:30 PM ^
Douchebags are going to douchebag?
November 13th, 2021 at 8:31 PM ^
Douchebags are going to douchebag?
November 13th, 2021 at 8:33 PM ^
He's playing banged up. I don't know what it is but he has a big bulky brace on his left knee. It might not feel great to really step into the front leg and drive the ball? Is he still fairly accurate and knows where to go with the ball? Yes. Has he put some zip on balls that he needs to? For the most part yes.
Hopefully he can get more healthy by the game.
November 13th, 2021 at 5:44 PM ^
Cade has played well, very very well! I'm a fan and a believer.
November 13th, 2021 at 8:49 PM ^
All 3 of his TD passes were things of b-e-a-u-t-y!
November 13th, 2021 at 6:00 PM ^
I didn’t see even one “incredible” throw. The TD to Wilson was very nice and there were some others, but none that a serviceable QB shouldn’t be able to execute. That’s what he is: serviceable. It was, however, a bit telling that on the most important drive of the game they handed off five times and then had him throw five yards over the middle to a wide open All. They clearly didn’t want to put the game on his shoulders. In fact, McNamara hasn’t been the most significant offensive player in any Michigan win this season. Find another good team that you can say that about. Fortunately, Haskins was up to the task, as he usually is.
The bottom line is that sooner rather than later, they’re going to have to choose between McNamara and McCarthy, because McCarthy won’t be sitting patiently for two more years and waiting for McNamara to complete his eligibility. If that happens, those of you who are ride or die with McNamara, as well as the coaches, are going to regret it.
November 13th, 2021 at 6:13 PM ^
I guess you can view anything as glass half empty if you try hard enough. I’ve had my issues, and still continue to have a few issues, with McNamara as Michigan’s QB. However, at his best, he’s well above average. And at his worst, well he hardly ever makes any costly mistakes, so at his worst he’s just fine? Also, as good as Haskins was, he was directly responsible for none of Michigan’s 21 points today. McNamara was directly responsible for 18 of the 21 (Moody with the 3 XPs!).
November 13th, 2021 at 6:15 PM ^
You don’t think All deserves most of the credit for the go ahead TD?
November 13th, 2021 at 6:37 PM ^
No where in my comment did I suggest All didn’t deserve credit. I said Cade was directly responsible for 18 of Michigan’s 21 points. Cade is directly responsible for the 6 points All scores on that play. All is also directly responsible, as is Josh Gattis for the play call/design.
November 13th, 2021 at 6:18 PM ^
Apparently, Cade looks better than JJ in practice. JJ didn’t play today. Cade is doing great this year. Do you pull him this season because the 5 star “might” transfer? With the new transfer rules, coaches really have to manage the roster. I’m glad that fans are not in charge of roster management.
November 13th, 2021 at 6:33 PM ^
At this point, no you don’t pull McNamara. It’s too late for that and certainly no one can say that he hasn’t done a decent job. But you can’t pretend the issue away. Harbaugh dealt with much the same thing in San Francisco, although Alex Smith had accomplished more than McNamara has to this point when Harbaugh decided to make the switch to Kaepernick. And he obviously didn’t have to think about a transfer there.
November 13th, 2021 at 6:30 PM ^
I agree with your analysis. Cade is serviceable, and he has a clear cieling. When he missed that out-route to Cornelius in the second half I was shaking my head a bit. The slant that he threw too low to Hassan was terrible.
That said, the guy is gutsy as hell. He made some good throws. He had three TD's and no picks. The one fumble was not his fault. He came back after that hit and led the team down the field (albeit without making a single challenging throw, as you point out).
I'm all in for JJ for next year. That guy has too much talent not to play once he has some seasoning. I've been wanting him to get more snaps, but the coaches seem to think he's not ready. Cade is clearly the leader of this offense, and we gotta roll with him. He was not spectacular today, but he did enough to win, and it was a huge win.
November 13th, 2021 at 6:40 PM ^
I agree. McNamara is a smart, gutsy player. He hasn’t cost them any games. I definitely think McCarthy should transfer if he isn’t the starter next season, but I think the same about McNamara. He shouldn’t be content with sitting on the bench, either.
November 13th, 2021 at 11:05 PM ^
You are actively wanting what would be a true sophomore to transfer from your team if he doesn't earn the job? Are you even a fan?
November 13th, 2021 at 6:40 PM ^
The bottom line is that sooner rather than later, they’re going to have to choose between McNamara and McCarthy,
Seems pretty clear to me that decision has been made!
November 13th, 2021 at 6:40 PM ^
If McNamara is "serviceable," how would you describe these guys?
- Ruddock
- Speight
- O'Korn
- Peters
- Patterson
- McCaffrey
- Milton
November 13th, 2021 at 7:11 PM ^
As we as we all know, O’korn was terrible and Milton was just about right there with him. Peters didn’t get much of a chance, but he’s shown since transferring he’s a decent QB. McCaffrey not so much. Speight didn’t end well. Patterson and Rudock were both better than McNamara is right now, although it’s relevant that this is McNara’s first full season as a starter.
November 13th, 2021 at 7:44 PM ^
Did you see McCarthy play? His abilities have risen to mythological proportions with some on this board. But what is seen of him in games is someone that is a bit careless and immature.
McCarthy will sit for as long as McNamara is with the team. And McNamara is likely to enter the draft after the 2022 season. So don't worry. That leaves 2 years for you to watch him, in 2023 and 2024. And if he transfers, ok, bye. Michigan will have another good QB to take his place. The world will keep turning.
The backup QB is the most popular player with too many fans at this place.
November 13th, 2021 at 8:26 PM ^
There is a time and place for complaining about Cade. A few hours after a win in Happy Valley where he throws three TDs and no INTs doesn't seem like one of them.
November 13th, 2021 at 6:23 PM ^
I’ll also say this: McCarthy’s three TD passes were each more impressive than any throw McNamara has made all season.
1. The crazy, on the run, cross field mega throw to Baldwin, who the DB had given up on because he didn’t think he was reachable;
2. The deep throw that hit Baldwin perfectly in stride, something McNamara hasn’t done all year;
3. The TD pass to Anthony against MSU that had exactly the right touch and was placed where only Anthony had a chance to make a play;
November 13th, 2021 at 6:32 PM ^
Yes, each of those TD passes that JJ has thrown have been extremely impressive. But, I really don’t see how bringing up these three throws by JJ refutes the suggestion that McNamara has made really impressive throws these past few weeks. The deep throw to CJ last weekend against Indiana for example was executed perfectly and directly contradicts your second point (as does the flea flicker TD pass McNamara threw to CJ against Wisky that was dropped perfectly in the bread basket). And today, McNamara’s throw on an absolute line to Wilson for TD number one definitely qualifies as incredible; that’s a pro-level throw. The touch pass to All in the red zone that set up the second TD to Wilson was also an incredible throw IMO. Looped over the two defenders, placed it perfectly where All could catch it in stride and break towards the goal line.
November 13th, 2021 at 7:49 PM ^
He also didn't bring up how bad McCarthy looked last week in his short playing time. McCarthy isn't ready and likely won't be ready until the 2023 season. And that's ok. We currently have one of the best leaders at QB I have seen my whole life watching Michigan football. And that going back to the 70's.
November 13th, 2021 at 8:08 PM ^
How can a leader QB never be the most significant offensive player in any win?
November 13th, 2021 at 9:20 PM ^
Maybe it's you not him.
November 14th, 2021 at 10:07 AM ^
The deep throw last week to CJ was a touchdown if Cade hadn't underthrown it, for what it's worth. Still a long completion, so that was cool. I do agree that the first TD to Wilson was excellent. The touch pass to All that set up the second TD was also dope, as you point out.
I've made peace with Cade being the starter this year. He's clearly an effective leader at the line of scrimmage and a source of steadiness. He just won a massive game on the road. If he beats Ohio, I will never criticize him again.
I will still want JJ to be the starter next year though. You just can't bring in a QB of that talent (which he has shown in flashes) and have him sit behind a less talented guy for two years. That does not nor should not happen in modern college football. He will have to win the job in camp, naturally. Maybe we should just cross that bridge when we get there.
November 13th, 2021 at 4:44 PM ^
Great call Double - D. That last drive was it!
November 13th, 2021 at 4:45 PM ^
He doesn't get NEAR his due.
November 13th, 2021 at 4:48 PM ^
The kid has stones and has absolutely tuned out the bull shit.
November 13th, 2021 at 7:57 PM ^
And there's a lot of BS coming his way.
His ability to tune it out and believe in himself is pretty highly developed. How he keeps his head when the pass rush is closing in on him is excellent. I'm really glad the Game is at Ann Arbor. I just wish it was at night.
November 13th, 2021 at 4:46 PM ^
Cade is beginning to remind me of Brian, which considering he won a Natty, is a good thing...
November 13th, 2021 at 5:47 PM ^
I was thinking the same thing. He's very solid and makes very few mistakes.
November 13th, 2021 at 4:46 PM ^
Couldn't be prouder of the young man. Gutty.
November 13th, 2021 at 5:50 PM ^
Agree 100%. My earlier post was meant as a question only. We’ve been seeing JJ at critical points in big games all year. Just wondering why it didn’t happen today. My note that it may have been nice to see him pull a keeper was just a thought. For the record, I am 100% behind whomever COACH Harbaugh puts on the field!