Football: Player Development (Gattis on WRs)
Player development has been a point of contention during the JH era. Of course there are guys that have developed and even played beyond their recruiting profiles, but there also is a number of guys who seem to have underachieved like Gary, Patterson, DPJ, etc. I'm not here to suggest it's any worse than any place else, but it has been an area often cited as a criticism during the JH tenure. And, JH has never been one to call out guys publicly.
Well it appears Gattis is not afraid to call out positions and challenge them. I for one am glad to see some change and Gattis doing things his own way. I've also seen Gattis yelling at JH on the sidelines. Who knows what it was about, but I think it's good he's confident enough to do what he believes is best for the offense and hope it leads to some improvements. Maizenbrew recently wrote an article based on comments made by Gattis. Some of Gattis' remarks:
You really need the full games, but the thing that stood out in those two games was the skill. That’s an area where we have to develop. Games are going to be won by our skill players, and they understand that and they know the challenge.
You need that from your quarterbacks, you need that from your running backs, you need that from your receivers. That was an area at the end of the year where we didn’t capitalize and make the plays that were needed. That’s where we could’ve won those two games. You look at the receiver position, there were some big-time opportunities that we missed in those last two games that could’ve been difference makers in the game.
We had some big-time opportunities, whether that’s pass breakups or drops. I think when you look at our passing game, I’ll tell you an interesting stat, out of our 203 incompletions last year, we had 125 that were catchable, whether the ball was broken up or just dropped off the tip.
When you look at how many opportunities we had one-on-one in space, that’s an area we gotta improve, making the last defender miss, to be able to create explosive plays. These are challenges that I’ve presented to these groups already.
February 21st, 2020 at 5:18 PM ^
I'd love to see proof of Gattis yelling at Harbaugh. People were freaking out about it during the Rutgers game, but if you could see the entire context and not just the cropped angle of the TV view, you would see that Gattis was yelling the official for a missed call and JH was trying to get Gattis to get back to the sideline so he didn't get flagged.
Also, this was already posted.
February 21st, 2020 at 5:32 PM ^
People were freaking out about it during the Rutgers game, but if you could see the entire context and not just the cropped angle of the TV view
That's the coverage of the game that most people see and likely what the only thing most people look at. Seems likely that's what most people experienced, no?
Gattis was yelling the official for a missed call and JH was trying to get Gattis to get back to the sideline so he didn't get flagged.
Fair enough
I'd love to see proof of Gattis yelling at Harbaugh.
It sounds like you've seen it, but I'll post a link. Whether Gattis was yelling at the officials at first or not and whether or not JH was trying to prevent him from getting a flag or not, Gattis clearly fired back at JH which still makes the larger point that he's not afraid to say what he thinks even if that means getting heated with the HC.
Also, this was already posted.
Not sure if this more recent Maizenbrew article was the result of the same interview with Gattis as the thread you cited, however the comments brought up in my post and in this article are different than the quotes from the link you provided.
February 21st, 2020 at 6:09 PM ^
This is Harbaugh's master plan to yell at the refs. Just have your assistants do it and then you come to the 'defense' of the officials.
February 21st, 2020 at 6:10 PM ^
If you take that clip as evidence that Gattis was popping of at Harbaugh, might I interest you in some beautiful ocean-front in Des Moines?
February 21st, 2020 at 6:19 PM ^
I'm interested. Atlantic or Pacific?
(with a lovely cornfield, please)
February 21st, 2020 at 6:45 PM ^
Was he yelling at JH or yelling to him? Could it be that both are upset and on the same side of the issue and Gattis is being demonstrative? JH seems fairly nonchalant about things and Gattis did calmly put his headset back on. I just don't see JH taking a public display of insubordination so calmly.
February 21st, 2020 at 8:29 PM ^
That's some grade A mental gymnastics to try to save face man. Well done!
February 21st, 2020 at 10:18 PM ^
Umm, Gattis was yelling at an official. I doubt Harbaugh would actually care about an argument with a AC but it didn’t happen.
February 22nd, 2020 at 9:47 AM ^
All refrenced quotes from from both links are from his appearance on Jansen's podcast, which was posted here.
That website off all places isn't likely to get granted an exclusive from anyone on the coaching staff.
February 21st, 2020 at 6:37 PM ^
Quinn Nordine will handle all of the yelling at Harbaugh on the sidelines. Sarah will get him at home.
February 22nd, 2020 at 8:24 PM ^
Even if it had been Harris yelling at Harbaugh it was one play out if a season's worth of plays. Not much to hang one's hat upon.
February 21st, 2020 at 5:20 PM ^
Players make plays. Overthrown passes, drops, getting out fought for jump balls, making a defender miss in space, etc. This is what Gattis sees as an area we need to improve on. How many times did a wide open receiver have to dive or jump for a poorly thrown pass. QB doesn't see a wide open receiver. Receiver steps out of bounds so he's not eligible to catch the pass......
February 21st, 2020 at 5:35 PM ^
He also had some criticism of the QB as well. But, the larger point is he's focused on improving the skill positions to make more plays. It sounds like you disagree with him or is it just you think it's more the QBs fault and he's focused too much on the WRs? As a former WR coach it's not surprising he focuses on the WRs.
February 21st, 2020 at 5:42 PM ^
How does it sound like I'm disagreeing with him? I listed bad throws, bad reads, drops, stepping out of bounds, not making defenders miss. This is on all skill positions. He is calling out everyone to step up their game. Agree 100% with him. Thanks ?
February 21st, 2020 at 6:12 PM ^
Gotcha, sorry if I misinterpreted. It sounded like you were more focused on the QB whereas Gattis seemed more focused on the WRs. But, yeah it's about all the skill position players and making plays.
February 21st, 2020 at 8:20 PM ^
It was at least 75% on Patterson. It's hard for WR to make plays after the catch when they have to slow momentum, etc to catch the ball. Also hard to make plays when you're wide open and the QB can't read a defense so he picks who he's throwing to before the snap.
February 22nd, 2020 at 8:47 AM ^
So you know more than the OC ? Right
February 22nd, 2020 at 12:01 PM ^
Almost surely Gattis is making his statements with a focus on motivating the returning players.
February 22nd, 2020 at 11:09 AM ^
Shea was inaccurate, but it is also on WRs to adjust and to run the right route. Shea is gone—demand the WRs improve. Plenty of very non-elite to non-very good adjustments by our core guys. Bell needs to improve his hands on basic throws and subtle adjustments. He’s so talented, but he dropped quite a few. Nico needs to work on consistency of using his mitts, too.
As fans, do what the coaches do—talk about the guys in the team next year, not the ones who are gone. No need to rehash what Shea did or did not do or that DPJ also lost concentration too much.
We need playmakers to develop in Spring—guys who can take over the big game.
February 22nd, 2020 at 2:21 PM ^
I agree. The only value in looking at last year's problems now is to determine whether A) they were flaws in the scheme or B) they were indicative of problems in the returning talent. In either event, if there's a flaw, you try to fix it.
February 22nd, 2020 at 1:36 AM ^
Think he's still the WR coach...
February 22nd, 2020 at 1:36 AM ^
Think he's still the WR coach...
February 21st, 2020 at 7:54 PM ^
Gattis talked alot last spring ... I believe nothing from any of this staff. Beat Ohio State and I'll start to believe again.
February 21st, 2020 at 11:34 PM ^
Wow, you’re sooooooo tough. I’ll bet you wipe your ass with sandpaper and jerk off with baking soda.
STFU, Proud. Nobody gives a flying monkey fuck what you believe. If Gattis were throwing sunshine you’d bitch, and when he’s throwing shade, you bitch. Me thinks you just LIKE TO FUCKING BITCH BECAUSE YOU ARE ONE!
February 22nd, 2020 at 2:11 AM ^
Get a room you 2.
February 22nd, 2020 at 2:41 AM ^
Sten always bringing it strong.
February 22nd, 2020 at 6:41 AM ^
Sten Carlson, speaking of tough... yawn
ur like harbaugh et al. -- all hot air and bullshit; he's right, win a fucking a game against a non-tomato can and then maybe, we'll start paying attention to the tough locker room, shoulda, coulda, woulda, talk.
Until then, stifle it and don't look like a major puss.
February 22nd, 2020 at 11:47 AM ^
Ok, Patsy!
You’re here saying you’re not paying attention, yet you’re posting in the thread proving you’re paying attention. Such typical horse shit! If you weren’t paying attention you’d be out doing whatever the fuck else you do. Then, like clock work, you throw in the ubiquitous, “yawn,” as a way to emphasize your lack of interest and attention. But ... you’re right here interested and paying attention.
You can shut the fuck up as well! Complaining has become endemic in here — 99% of it (like large society), unfortunately, is nothing more that entitlement whining in which you can’t articulate what it is that you’re whining about, but you insist that it’s someone else’s fault. Gattis is positive, you whine. Gattis is negative, you whine. Gattis is silent, you whine. Once again, it’s clear you just LOVE TO FUCKING WHINE!
February 22nd, 2020 at 12:08 PM ^
Complaining has become endemic in here
Agree totally.
For an exception that proves the rule, notice how Teske is generally getting support during his slump. ("We need him performing for the Big Dance", etc.) I attribute that to the recent success of the basketball team, hence the threads aren't attracting the trolls.
February 22nd, 2020 at 1:56 PM ^
Dearest Sten carlstupe,
I don't even know where to begin with this massive pile of retardation -- saying harboob is 0-5 vs. OSU is complaining? These guys talk tough every fucking spring; so gattis says the WR's shoulda caught more balls? Well holy fucking shit, what an epiphany; the next gem out of this goof's mouths will be something like "well we have to score points to win".
Stop talking tough and produce.
As for you; the Twain adage comes to mind: "better to keep your mouth shut and let people think you're a moron than to open your mouth and confirm their suspicions".... well something like that.
Please be quiet and stifle it Edith.
February 22nd, 2020 at 8:55 PM ^
Harboob?!
Really? Are you 12 years old?
“Massive pile of retardation”? WTF?!
You’re not saying Harbaugh is 0-5 vs OSU, you’re bitching about Gattis’ offseason comments about trying to do better. How is that “talking tough”? He basically said, “the skill positions didn’t get it done when it counted most last season.” Why do you find that objectionable? What should he say? If he said something irrationally exuberant about the performance last season people attack him. Yet here you are attacking him and playing old, “don’t talk until...” card because, why again?
Stuff more cocks in your mouth, you ass clown, before you tell me to stifle it! I’ve lived and died with this program for 43 years and all you stupid, entitled cunts do is act as if simply because you want the program to be elite, and it’s not, that you should get to shit on it until it is. It doesn’t work that way. You complain about Harbaugh’s salary as if YOU are paying it. Do you read the posts in here? I’m surprised every one of them isn’t fully sponsored by lotion companies with all the hand wringing going on. EVERY bit of news is interpreted as coaching malfeasance, system program disfunction, and every comment is met with your bullshit, tough guy, “don’t talk until...” song and dance.
You’re pathetic! You and all your snowflake, safe-space dwelling, sorry sack of shit ilk. Everyone wants to beat OSU, win it all, and be great. But people like you act like it’s some simple task that anyone can accomplish, and the failure is a personal affront to you. I’m so sick of people like you claiming to be Michigan fans but yet hating, and shitting on Michigan publicly at EVERY opportunity!
GFYCS!
February 23rd, 2020 at 6:34 AM ^
well, Sten, since you seem to be into looking at peoples' past posts; I took a stroll down your troll-hole; and guess what? Looks like there's nothing in there but the repeated theme of using the term "cock-sucking"; now you're probably gay; but that's OK; very much accepted as it should be in today's culture. But maybe you're still tossing around the whole "in and out" thing? You don't want to come out b/c you're asking yourself "what will my co-workers at Wal-Mart think?"
Its OK dude; come out of the closet and be happier with your miserable life.
Now, returning to you favorite theme: so, speaking of cock-sucking, this is maybe why we've been relegated to 2nd Tier in the conference that we created; because of syncophantic, Kool-Aid drinking, sunshine-pumping dingbats like yourself.
I don't know what you've been watching for the 43 years you claim to have lived and died with the program; but if you have; you've had blinders on for the past 15 years of which your boy has coached a third of that (that would be five years - I did the math for you). Not only has he gone 0-5; but they've been some of the ugliest losses in that series. We are not progressing. We destroyed ND and yet they've been closer to a National Title than we have.
Tootles, honeycakes.
February 23rd, 2020 at 11:00 AM ^
We are not progressing.
This is patently false. Michigan football has progress significantly out of an historic low, and is back to its historical mean. The problem is that the other teams in the B10 that Michigan is competing against are better than they were when Michigan set that historical mean. OSU is in a 2nd “Golden Age”, PSU is not only in the B10 East, but resurgent, and although MSU is seemingly trending down, they were clearly at a recent high. So, the argument could be made that Michigan, having reattained its historical performance despite the significantly difference conference landscape, has actually progressed beyond that mean.
Further, CFB as a whole has changed since that mean was set. This has been discussed at length. Yes, Michigan is trying to “catch up” and has yet to find the right formula. But, so much of the Michigan fanbase’s angst is colored by the success Michigan had over OSU in the 90’s. Those years are very misleading and Michigan had several mediocre seasons that look better today because of a win over OSU.
Your perspective is faulty. Michigan was only ever elite in the 40’s, 70’s and once in the 90’s. Harbaugh is trying to bring us to a level we’ve not been to in a landscape that is totally different from anything any Michigan coach has ever faced. Yet, all you do is point at the deficiencies.
February 21st, 2020 at 8:16 PM ^
Mark this down: Josh Gattis will be the next J. Ira and Nicki Harris - Head Football Coach at the University of Michigan.
....and it will happen sooner than you think.
February 21st, 2020 at 8:19 PM ^
Wha? ok you got my attention...care to elaborate?
February 22nd, 2020 at 12:30 AM ^
Tomorrow....they are going to announce it tomorrow 7:00AM at Johnson Elementary School auditorium in Milford.
February 22nd, 2020 at 1:57 PM ^
Fun fact: I went to Johnson Elementary in Milford from K-2. This is a really big break for my very first school.
February 22nd, 2020 at 12:13 PM ^
There was the recent thread on ticket sales.
I'm still a Harbaugh supporter, but it's a meritocracy, and his salary would be attractive to many candidates. (Then again, some might calculate that if they fired Harbaugh, the bar for success is pretty damn hard to achieve.)
It's not bat-shit crazy if the program stalls. But I'm hopeful that the talent is there to generate a surprise upward move--notice Alabama kicking away from Giles Jackson.
February 21st, 2020 at 8:22 PM ^
I'd be very happy to see this.
February 22nd, 2020 at 11:18 AM ^
Idiots.
February 22nd, 2020 at 6:21 AM ^
It’s pretty remarkable to think this after all the scrutiny that he faced early in the season, but I think you’re right. He’s got good insight, passion, ambition, pedigree, and ability to diagnose problems and articulate the solutions. Assuming he has a good work ethic and and an ability to listen to the concerns of others, those are some great leadership qualities.The main knock against him is a relatively light resume.
February 22nd, 2020 at 1:59 PM ^
I'd still rather have Fleck. No one still has any idea what Gattis brings to the table. With Fleck, you at least know he's got an eye for talent, development, and can run a program.
February 21st, 2020 at 8:16 PM ^
Wasn't this just posted yesterday?
February 21st, 2020 at 8:19 PM ^
I watched every snap. Now I can't say if a WR ran a shit route and therefore a catchable ball became an uncatchable ball but beyond that far, far, far, far more incompletes were bad passes and not drops. Brian's analysis gels with what I saw on the field. I thought Gattis was the WR coach.
February 22nd, 2020 at 2:03 PM ^
And because he's the WR coach and OC, he might know the WRs are running 8 yard routes instead of 9. Or running at 75% speed when they need to be running 50% or 100%. Every bad pass looks like it's the QBs fault when you don't know what is suppose to happen.
February 21st, 2020 at 8:49 PM ^
I think Gattis will make a helluva good head coach someday
February 21st, 2020 at 9:33 PM ^
Patterson missed...& receivers got alligator arms & pussed out after Bell got racked.
JH wouldn't give a shit if Gattis was hollering at him in the spirit of battle - so long as Gattis is right.
Wgaf about any of it. Get the team tight & ready to kick the fuck out of Osu next year some how, some way.
February 21st, 2020 at 9:41 PM ^
Watching the playoffs, there was a HUGE talent gap at WR between our guys and LSU/Clemson WR. They were routinely making NFL circus catches and our guys drop passes that hit them in the numbers.
Some of it mah be coachable, but I have to think Clemson and LSU also got more talented guys. I dont recall Manningham, Avant, braylon, etc making so many difficult catches CONSISTENTLY in a 3 game stretch as what I saw from some of those guys.
February 21st, 2020 at 11:09 PM ^
Alabama's third best WR was as good as our best.
February 22nd, 2020 at 12:19 PM ^
To make NFL money, you need to be able to create space for yourself or to catch the ball in traffic. Avant had pretty damn reliable hands. Manningham and Edwards were the types to create space for themselves, although Manningham had one notable, leading-to-a-Super Bowl-win circus catch.