Grades from the First Third: Offense Part I

Let's look back on the offense so far, shall we gentlemen?

Yesterday I tackled the defensive side of the ball and came away impressed, but still not entirely comfortable moving forward.  Now we shift things to the other side of the ball and examine the offense.  Same rules apply.  I will be grading each unit based on my best and worst case ideas from this off season's preview   links to the original articles will be provided.  Lets not waste any more time.

The Offense.  (One more reminder for those of you who missed yesterday's piece, my analysis relies on the UFR's done over at mgoblog.  If you aren't familiar with these, I would suggest spending the rest of your afternoon at mgoblog.  You can thank me afterward.)

Half Full or Half Empty? Receivers

Moving outside for a look at the one position group that has largely failed to be relevant (for a variety of reasons not limited to skill level) in the last two years.


Gone are the days of Braylon Edwards, David Terrell, and Mario Manningham.  This much is certain.  UM won't be seeing any Navarre-esque pro style quarterbacks slinging fade routes 50 yards down the field.  What does this mean for the passing game moving forward?

More of this, please.

Looking back, we don't have too much to see.  '08 was a lean year at receiver as the two best options decided to try their luck in the draft following the '07 season.  Martavious Odoms led the team from the slot, but the production on the outside was lacking.  Last year, despite 2000 yards from freshman Tate Forcier, the passing game failed to be the kind of factor in the offense that it is capable of.

Believe that Rodriguez coached teams won't air it out at your own peril.  Each QB brings a skill to the table that should open up passing lanes, while the offensive line looks to be better suited to provide pass protection.  If there was ever a year for the receivers to take the next step, 2010 is it.