Across The Field
Oaky Afterbirth
The difference is, you guy haven't put out a good QB in a decade or so, and that's being generous (Henne). How do Herman and Smith churn out guys like Devin Smith, Michael Thomas, Braxton Miller, and then once Herman leaves our WRs suddenly suck? Don't you see what the common denominator there is? When your play-caller runs the same bland pass plays that are easy to gameplan for, your WRs are going to look bad. It's about design, and also about timing. Herman knew how to run the right plays to expose a defense at the right time; Beck ran the same plays and had no idea how to make adjustments.Just because you can coach your position doesn't mean the recruits brought in are going to pick it up and be able to use it on the field.
Contrary to your belief -- measureables mean very little if a player struggles with the advanced techniques needed to be successful in college and especially the NFL.
It is no different than UM and their QB position in the past 7-8 years. Devin Gardner was the #1 dual threat QB out of HS. Shane Morris had an absolute cannon and was faster than Gardner. It isn't like the QB coaches forgot how to coach up a QB and in Morris's case, it isn't as if Harbaugh forgot how to coach up a QB.
Some players figure it out, some players have all the talent in the world, but can't figure it out. It is why the best teams in college are the teams who bring in the most talent. For every recruit who doesn't pan out, they have one equally as talented waiting to take their spot. It is why the top coaches are cut throat on the roster moves, because the more recruits you bring in each year, the better chance you have to hit on elite recruits.
If you don't believe me, just wait until this year and see how our passing game looks compared to last year. Guys like Bin Victor, Parris Campbell, Terry McLaurin, Austin Mack, Johnnie Dixon, etc. were all on the team last year and I guarantee most, if not all, will look significantly better this year with a coherent passing attack led by a superior OC.