Jim Harbaugh defends quarterbacks from blame for Michigan’s struggles
Most observers would pin Michigan’s struggles this season on the below average play of their quarterbacks. The Wolverines have a talented defense and good skill players, but their quarterbacks haven’t delivered.
Jim Harbaugh doesn’t want people to take what he believes is the easy way out by blaming everything on the QBs.
“I think it’s the low-hanging fruit to say, ‘It’s the quarterback. It’s the quarterback. It’s the quarterback,'” Harbaugh told the “Jamie and Stoney Show” on WXYT FM-97.1 in Detroit Wednesday.
Harbaugh then used an analogy to make his point. He said that on field goals, people only evaluate whether a kicker made or missed the kick. What they don’t look at is how so many other things need to go well in concert in order for the kick to be made, such as the snap, hold, and protection. Similarly with the offense, there needs to be good snaps, protection, and routes run.
That’s true, but when you have a great quarterback, you don’t need all those other things to go well. Good QBs also can make the most of the protection and routes they have.
As it stands, Michigan has averaged 23.5 points over their last four games, which is below expectations. A big reason is backup John O’Korn has only thrown one touchdown and four interceptions since taking over after Wilton Speight’s injury. Harbaugh can say what he wants, but the truth is the quarterback play at Michigan is lacking. At least he’s doing his players a solid by protecting them.
