Not having a dedicated wide receivers coach.
Contrary to almost every other Harbaugh coached Michigan team, the sum of the 2021 squad is actually greater than its parts. Every single position group has met or exceeded its reasonable expectations; which is a rare feat, and what is needed to have a special season. That is, every single position group other than wide receiver. And the WR position actually does have some nascent talent, but it is almost entirely untapped.
Almost all of the offensive woes, broken plays and general consternation derive from a lack of receiver fundamentals:
Inability to highpoint the catch;
Unawareness on hot routes and not turning head;
No separation on routes;
Ineffective blocking;
Not finishing routes;
Ball security;
And most damning, very little improvement as the season has progressed.
It appears as if this group is getting very little in the way of coaching. Or at least their on-field performance implies as much.
There has been a lot criticism levied at Cade. Much of it warranted. But, a wide receiver corps with even average fundamentals would have made Cade look above-average to solid this season.
This position group just seems seems rudderless. It has even manifested itself in WR recruiting. The last 3 classes (including the current class) has only netted 5 wide receivers (AJ Henning, Roman Wilson, Andrel Anthony, Christian Dixon and Tyler Morris)!
It is very unfortunate that Bellamy had to be moved from WR coach. I think this team would look very different if he had remained on that side of the ball.
This season can still be special, but this one position group is making that a much harder task.
Contrary to almost every other Harbaugh coached Michigan team, the sum of the 2021 squad is actually greater than its parts. Every single position group has met or exceeded its reasonable expectations; which is a rare feat, and what is needed to have a special season. That is, every single position group other than wide receiver. And the WR position actually does have some nascent talent, but it is almost entirely untapped.
Almost all of the offensive woes, broken plays and general consternation derive from a lack of receiver fundamentals:
Inability to highpoint the catch;
Unawareness on hot routes and not turning head;
No separation on routes;
Ineffective blocking;
Not finishing routes;
Ball security;
And most damning, very little improvement as the season has progressed.
It appears as if this group is getting very little in the way of coaching. Or at least their on-field performance implies as much.
There has been a lot criticism levied at Cade. Much of it warranted. But, a wide receiver corps with even average fundamentals would have made Cade look above-average to solid this season.
This position group just seems seems rudderless. It has even manifested itself in WR recruiting. The last 3 classes (including the current class) has only netted 5 wide receivers (AJ Henning, Roman Wilson, Andrel Anthony, Christian Dixon and Tyler Morris)!
It is very unfortunate that Bellamy had to be moved from WR coach. I think this team would look very different if he had remained on that side of the ball.
This season can still be special, but this one position group is making that a much harder task.
