Weber Solid as
Gophers Quarterback
Don’t expect MarQueis Gray to replace
Adam Weber as the
Gophers starting quarterback. Fans and media are directing criticism at
Weber after the Gophers produced only 138 in total yards including 101
passing last Saturday in a 20-0 loss to Penn State, now ranked 11th
nationally by USA Today.
It
was true 50 years ago and will be the same a half century from now: fans
and media reps focus blame on the quarterback when results are poor.
Often the criticism isn’t deserved and the critics lack credibility.
On talk radio this week a commentator was criticizing “Aaron Weber.”
Fans
have told Sports Headliners that Weber isn’t performing and want
more playing time for Gray. The Gophers are 11th in the Big
Ten Conference in yards rushing per game and ninth in passing.
While Weber isn’t an All-American and makes mistakes, he’s certainly a
better than average Big Ten quarterback. The offensive line, though,
is below conference standards.
Last
Saturday Weber was harassed by Penn State rushers while trying to pass
and to his credit escaped to keep plays alive. He also handed the ball
off to running backs who didn’t have space to run because the Gophers
line wasn’t successful at pass blocking or run blocking against a Penn
State line and linebackers that rate among the best in the country.
The
truth is results like last Saturday are to be expected when there is a
large discrepancy in ability between lines like Minnesota’s and Penn
State's. The Gophers could face similar results this coming Saturday at
Ohio State against a formidable Buckeyes defense that is second in
rushing yards given up per game and third in passing yardage yielded.
The
Gophers’ 4-3 record includes losses to teams with better personnel--California, Wisconsin and Penn State. Weber and the Gophers (including
a defense improved over a year ago) have been able to win against four
teams they match up with or exceed in personnel.
Don’t look for coach Tim Brewster to back off his commitment to
Weber because a radio guy criticizes “Aaron” or fans whine about him. A
lot of critics live by this: “What have you done for me lately?”
Translation: if the Gophers start winning again the complaining goes
away.
There’s plenty to value about Weber who other than wide receiver Eric
Decker has no great players surrounding him on offense. The Gophers
need to get better on offense at a lot of positions. Weber is the
unit’s second best player.
Weber, a redshirt junior, has invaluable experience as a three year
starter. He does and sees things that are way beyond what the fan
recognizes. Putting the Gophers in the correct plays and reads for
running and passing is something that a less experienced quarterback
like Gray isn’t ready to do.
Decker said yesterday: “I’d ask anybody to stand back in Adam’s position
and try to do what he does because he’s got to call all the
protections. He’s got to make the reads. He’s got to know what his
receivers are all doing, and then he’s got to drop back, elude defenders
and throw the ball perfectly.”
If
Weber were making mistakes in judgment and passing that were similar to
what an inexperienced quarterback does, the Gophers would be losing
games by larger margins than they are. In addition, Weber is a
respected leader on the team who has rallied the Gophers to victories
late in games.
Weber is a personable student-athlete who cares about academics and
football. He’s a role model for what football players at Minnesota
should be. He’s also a school record- setting quarterback.
This season
Weber has completed about 56 percent of his passes and thrown six
touchdown passes. Before the season, expectations were for better
results but the Gophers are in a new offense and his throwing mechanics
have been changed. Weber’s stats, including his average of 189.3
passing yards per game, could be better by season’s end.
Gray
is a freshman who hasn’t played much football for two years. He was
injured and missed games his senior season of high school. At Minnesota
last fall he wasn’t eligible.
In
high school Gray played in a spread system. The Gophers have moved away
from that offense to a pro style using multiple variations with the
quarterback mostly under center. Obviously Gray has much to learn and
some day is expected to make a big impact on the program.
Brewster has said Gray will eventually impress with his passing and
running. He has even made some comparisons between Gray and Vince
Young, the former Texas All-American quarterback.
There’s nothing wrong with anticipating Gray’s arrival as a playmaker
for the Gophers. But the time is not right because of the offense’s
other problems, Weber’s skills and Gray’s lack of experience. A
quarterback controversy isn’t a good call.
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