Departures, transfers, NFL etc. Part 1.
I'm *trying* to look at everything with a glass-half full approach. We all know JH demands competition and everyone knows where they stand on the depth chart. In fact, despite what WE think about Singleton, Hudson or anybody else, it could very well be the case that departures are in the very best interest of both the players and the team. Focus on "could very well be", because I for sure don't know.
Why would it be in our best interest for obviously talented depth guys (at this point anyway) to leave? It either means (1) they're no longer a good fit, for reasons, (2) they're being passed by other guys in their own class, or younger, (3) adding 25+ guys every year and managing attrition seems to REALLY work to have your most talented roster.
"The game comes down to 5 plays"
Most games where two good teams go against each other often come down to 5 or less plays. Take the ND game for example...the "jump ball" that Hawkins didn't intercept or deflect, Chase's roughing the passer call (that led to a TD and not a FG attempt).
In the MSU game, a team that was clearly overmatched is probably taking note, and we should too, that only a few plays could have flipped this one (1) Grant Perry's huge save of UM from an easy interception deep in our own territory, (2 and 3) TWO tipped passes (neither intercepted and both caught for 1st downs by UM) that both helped in UM TD drives, (4 and 5) pick whatever...point is that this game, despite the fancy stats, is often played on a razors edge and winning vs. losing can turn just like that. But it sure helps to have the better team
Departures, transfers, NFL etc. Part 2.
Love the QB depth and roster. That QB room, barring the unforeseen, is in good hands for years to come. But I'll put this out there now...absent MASS departures on defense, as long as Patterson comes back to UM, 2019 will be Harbaugh's best team.
The offense will finally be FULLY weaponized...the OL will be - by far and away - Harbaugh's best at UM.
Add it all up and the offense should take 3 steps forward. The defense...ranked number 1 in yards per play and yards per game, may take a step back, but need I remind us all what happened when we lost 10 starters? Rashan Gary is AWESOME...Harbaugh calls him our best player. But I didn't notice much drop off with him sidelined, did you?
Hell, even with massive NFL departures, I'd be shocked if UM defense fell below top 12. With the offense that we'd have (see Patterson returning), it's playoff or bust next year.
If anybody wants some Kool-Aid, I'm pouring!
I'm *trying* to look at everything with a glass-half full approach. We all know JH demands competition and everyone knows where they stand on the depth chart. In fact, despite what WE think about Singleton, Hudson or anybody else, it could very well be the case that departures are in the very best interest of both the players and the team. Focus on "could very well be", because I for sure don't know.
Why would it be in our best interest for obviously talented depth guys (at this point anyway) to leave? It either means (1) they're no longer a good fit, for reasons, (2) they're being passed by other guys in their own class, or younger, (3) adding 25+ guys every year and managing attrition seems to REALLY work to have your most talented roster.
"The game comes down to 5 plays"
Most games where two good teams go against each other often come down to 5 or less plays. Take the ND game for example...the "jump ball" that Hawkins didn't intercept or deflect, Chase's roughing the passer call (that led to a TD and not a FG attempt).
In the MSU game, a team that was clearly overmatched is probably taking note, and we should too, that only a few plays could have flipped this one (1) Grant Perry's huge save of UM from an easy interception deep in our own territory, (2 and 3) TWO tipped passes (neither intercepted and both caught for 1st downs by UM) that both helped in UM TD drives, (4 and 5) pick whatever...point is that this game, despite the fancy stats, is often played on a razors edge and winning vs. losing can turn just like that. But it sure helps to have the better team
Departures, transfers, NFL etc. Part 2.
Love the QB depth and roster. That QB room, barring the unforeseen, is in good hands for years to come. But I'll put this out there now...absent MASS departures on defense, as long as Patterson comes back to UM, 2019 will be Harbaugh's best team.
The offense will finally be FULLY weaponized...the OL will be - by far and away - Harbaugh's best at UM.
- QB, ditto. A second year in the system for Shea would take him to another level.
- WR...don't get me started...will be awesome. Soph WRs are so much better than Freshman WRs, but Junior WRs...between their improved ability to block, function in the offense, create space, etc...these guys are going to be sick.
- RB: losing Higdon matters and hurts. And Evan's hasn't shown me enough to suggest he's our next bell cow back. But the cavalry is coming.
- TE: improved and elite. Talk of Gentry going to the NFL, to me, is way premature. This position group will be the best of it's kind in the country.
Add it all up and the offense should take 3 steps forward. The defense...ranked number 1 in yards per play and yards per game, may take a step back, but need I remind us all what happened when we lost 10 starters? Rashan Gary is AWESOME...Harbaugh calls him our best player. But I didn't notice much drop off with him sidelined, did you?
Hell, even with massive NFL departures, I'd be shocked if UM defense fell below top 12. With the offense that we'd have (see Patterson returning), it's playoff or bust next year.
If anybody wants some Kool-Aid, I'm pouring!
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