Davis Warren finally and mercifully benched, setting Michigan free to make critical changes to their offense
When Michigan opened fall camp many laughed when offensive coordinator Kirk Campbell said that all five quarterbacks were competing for the job, but apparently there might have been some validity to that statement.Davis Warren apparently did enough to earn the starting job ahead of the season, but he was an absolutely abysmal passer through the […]
When Michigan opened fall camp many laughed when offensive coordinator Kirk Campbell said that all five quarterbacks were competing for the job, but apparently there might have been some validity to that statement.
Davis Warren apparently did enough to earn the starting job ahead of the season, but he was an absolutely abysmal passer through the first two weeks. Now that he's finally been rightly benched Michigan should be set free to make the critical changes to the offense that definitely should have been made long ago.
Before we dive into Alex Orji and the offense moving forward let's just recap how horrific Davis Warren's stint at quarterback was through two and a half games. Through two weeks Warren was well outside the Top 100 in yards per pass attempt. He had already thrown three interceptions on just 58 passes. His adjusted yards per team pass attempt (an adjustment for touchdowns and interceptions included) was on par with Iowa quarterback play over the last two seasons. It was atrocious.
And then of course against Arkansas State he somehow managed to throw three more interceptions, bringing his season total to six through just three weeks. It was far past time to bench Davis Warren. Thankfully Sherrone Moore finally pulled the plug and put Alex Orji, the much more dynamic dual threat, in the game.
What Davis Warren benching means for Michigan offense
Once Alex Orji entered the game he didn't do much as a passer, but he did immediately add value with this legs, putting stress on the Arkansas State defense in a way that Davis Warren simply can't. Orji's first full drive went for 80 yards and a touchdown on eight runs and one pass (a touchdown to tight end Hogan Hansen). After that, it was all "bleed the clock" mode for the rest of the game to just get out with a win.
Alex Orji might not be a perfect passer, but what he brings via dynamic mobility will likely now become the foundation of Michigan's offense. At 6'3", nearly 240 pounds Orji is fast enough to stress the edge of a defense and break off big runs. When the Wolverines mix his running threat with their solid tandem of Kalel Mullings and Donovan Edwards at running back it creates some tough decisions for opposing defenses.
It's unknown just how much Michigan will open up and pass with Orji, but at least the Wolverines will have a chance to compete against some of the tougher teams on the schedule. Having a completely immobile quarterback who throws three interceptions to every passing touchdown is obviously not going to cut it. Will having a quarterback who might just not throw it nearly at all work?
That's what we're about to find out. Michigan's offense line still struggled with run blocking again against a team they should have completely handled, but having two legitimate threats coming out of the backfield at the same time should create a new stress up front for opponents.
Michigan fans should expect a far more diverse set of run plays to be introduced in coming weeks as Michigan's schedule gets a whole lot tougher soon. A completely run heavy strategy might not carry the Wolverines to the College Football Playoff this season, but just as we saw against Penn State a year ago (with zero pass attempts in the second half) it can be a strategy that man-handles the vast majority of teams given Michigan's talent and rushing scheme.
Hopefully Sherrone Moore sticks with the benching decision of Davis Warren and rolls with Alex Orji. Otherwise Michigan is just going to continue to struggle on offense every single week.
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