The Notre Dame passing offense has been stagnant through the first two games of the season. A lot of blame will go to quarterback Riley Leonard, and he certainly needs to take a lot of that blame. One thing people aren’t talking enough about is how poorly the wide receiver group has also been playing.

All offseason, Irish fans were sold a dream of an explosive passing attack. With so many promising additions before the season, and positive practice reports, things seemed to be trending in a great direction. Offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock needs to get more out of this group against Purdue, and for the rest of the 2024 season.

Figure out the roles

Perhaps the most frustrating part of the wide receiver position over the past couple of years is not being able to figure out roles that fit the talent best. We have seen jet sweeps to Jaden Greathouse and Jayden Thomas over the span, types of plays that are hard for the Irish fans to fully understand. While not quite as egregious so far, the roles do appear a bit odd so far.

It appears that a couple of wide receivers are being used improperly. Why is the staff throwing a bunch of screens to Beaux Collins, a vertically oriented pass catcher? Why have we seen one true deep route from FIU transfer Kris Kitchell, lauded for his long speed and playmaking ability? Instead, we have seen almost exclusively hitches, comebacks, and your occasional in-breaking route.

I’m not sure there’s a plan at wide receiver now, or enough confidence in them to cement roles and let them make plays. If true, how about featuring the tight ends more? We heard all offseason about how Notre Dame wanted to also feature running back Jeremiyah Love in the passing game as well. Where has that been?

Figuring out how all the pieces fit together is paramount. The quarterback position is going to get most of the conversation, but the weapons playing better, and the coaches putting players in the proper position is also a major issue.

Someone needs to step up

Outside of the misuse of players, someone other than Beaux Collins needs to solidify themselves as a legitimate option. The Clemson transfer has been good through two games, but nobody else is really making their impact felt. It’s not overly surprising that there seems to be a lack of confidence in the passing game right now.

Greathouse had a chance to make a big play last weekend, and he just didn’t. That’s a play that may have led to a touchdown, and the sophomore needs to make it. Greathouse was projected to potentially be the top wide receiver on the team this past offseason, but has not lived up to that hype so far.

Mitchell, who isn’t being used properly, still isn’t doing a good job finishing plays. He’s had to work through contact but that doesn’t change the fact that he needs to make some of these opportunities. As a sixth-year senior, a lot was expected of Mitchell. Notre Dame needs to get him going.

Can the talent finally flash?

Notre Dame needs Greathouse and Mitchell to step up. Getting Jordan Faison back soon from injury also should help a ton. It doesn’t matter who ends up stepping up, but one or two wide receivers need to do so outside of Collins.

If things don’t improve, the Irish need to seriously consider getting a couple of the young wide receivers ready. Who cares if Cam Williams isn’t ready to run a full route tree? Get him on the field and allow him to be the playmaker he is. The same can be said for Micah Gilbert. Answers need to be found.

We have heard all offseason about how much better the wide receiver position is. That includes the upgrade in speed and athleticism. When do we get to see that as a fanbase?