Taylor Lewan doesn't appreciate your talk about Bellomy
And you know who you are...there are enough who have downgraded the kid, to viciously attacking him. Online, of course. (Along with some constructive decision making criticism....but that's not the majority, for sure)
http://annarbor.com/mi/wolverines/2012/10/taylor_lewan_i_really_dont_ap…
"I have 100 percent faith in Russell," Lewan said Monday. "I think Russell is in a tough situation. Any person that thinks they could have done a better job -- they couldn't have. I mean, 90,000 fans in red shirts screaming at you, and you're a redshirt freshman, that's a tough situation. All the things being told about Russell, I don't appreciate it. "I really don't appreciate some of things I've heard."
October 30th, 2012 at 12:49 PM ^
I don't read recruits tweets, I just go on what I read on here and how he's recruited other players and how his passion for U of M is second to none.
Bellomy doesn't seem to have any fire to him. Now, while not every QB does, and it's not a requirement to have that (or at least, "outwardly project that") - I just envision Shane getting pissed off in that situation - getting riled up, excited, pissed, something.... (Again, that might not be a good thing - I'll be the first to admit it might even make a bad situation worse) but from what we saw on TV, it almost seemed Bellomy was indifferent. Could have been like a duck on a pond though - on the surface all seems calm, but the underneath (inside) going crazy.
Overall though, you're correct - I'm making a complete projection based on limited evidence that may or may not be right. I just would have liked to have seem Bellomy a little more PO'd at the situation. A little helmet slam now and again can show you care.
I upvoted your comment - as I think you make a very good point/critique of my thoughts.
October 30th, 2012 at 1:01 PM ^
October 30th, 2012 at 1:41 PM ^
I don't have to answer to anybody unless I say something out of line.
I can envision all I want, so feck off. I guess you just go on cold hard facts all the time, eh? Isn't part of being a fan basing some stuff off of casual observations? Why do I have to be upheld to some kind of code?
For the record, I didn't say he was indifferent. If you're OK with him not showing emotion, thats fine. As a fan I prefer to see the guys fired up.
October 30th, 2012 at 1:49 PM ^
October 30th, 2012 at 2:11 PM ^
I think the above process flow you’ve created off my words is a totally plausible outcome. I would correlate being driven to succeed with an outward show of negative emotion when things don’t go your way. And, again – as I said in my posts – as a fan I like to see that – emotion makes the game more interesting. That’s why Agassi was so much more fun to watch than Sampras – Sampras was a robot. If you like watching robots, that’s fine – that’s your choice. I don’t.
As I mentioned in my previous responses, multiple times mind you – I said it “seemed”. I never once said “Bellomy obviously doesn’t give a shit”. And now it “seems” to me you’re purposefully trying to pick apart my posts from a very played out, holier than thou standpoint.
October 30th, 2012 at 3:17 PM ^
So I didn't want to slam you for it. Wasn't my intent. I guess what I'm saying is you've seen one guy as a redshirt freshman for really one half, and you can tell me how many games you've seen Shane play to judge his sideline demeanor, because I haven't seen any. So I don't think I could assess their major personality characteristics, but it's entirely possible you've seen a lot more of them than I have.
October 31st, 2012 at 10:38 AM ^
...are cautionarily pedestrian, given his 5-star rating and the level of HS talent around him. Even when he plays outside the Catholic League Central Division, he doesn't light it up like one would expect.
Yes, Shane has good mechanics and throws a great ball, but we have no idea how good of a decision maker he will be at the D-1 level or if he will crack under pressure on the big stage. Let's not annoint the kid until we've seen him play a few games for Michigan.
October 30th, 2012 at 11:19 AM ^
Russ didn't play well, he knows that, and doesn't need anyone to tell him as much. The good news, however, is that failure, when used properly, is perhaps the best tool for long term improvement. Make no mistake about it, Russ WILL improve significantly as a result of his experience in the Nebraka game.
Anyone one that doesn't understand this, and is anything but supportive of the kid, is being unreasonable.
Bravo Taylor!
October 30th, 2012 at 11:22 AM ^
Left tackle defends his qb, qb takes the credit or the blame, fans either worship or crucify. No middle ground allowed in any of these situations.
October 30th, 2012 at 11:30 AM ^
QB takes the credit/blame.....except when you're Jay Cutler.
October 30th, 2012 at 11:29 AM ^
October 30th, 2012 at 11:30 AM ^
October 30th, 2012 at 11:38 AM ^
Wow, really?
October 30th, 2012 at 11:48 AM ^
Bronco Nagurski? I heard he was syntactically challenged as well.
October 30th, 2012 at 11:56 AM ^
I've never used this line but LOL WUT? I think a lineman can properly be considered great when he's projected to be a first round NFL draft pick.
Regardless, football skill has nothing to do with emotionally supporting a teammate. I would respect the comments from Lewan as much as if they were coming from the backup waterboy. Stop being obtuse.
October 30th, 2012 at 11:39 AM ^
October 30th, 2012 at 11:43 AM ^
October 30th, 2012 at 12:01 PM ^
Unfortunately I couldn't watch the game, but I knew we were screwed once I saw Bellomy's name in the stats line and that Fitz wasn't having a big game. I don't think Gardner would have done much better under the circumstances. Frankly, I was worried about this game with Denard (although I think we could have won).
Taylor is also handling this in precisely the right way. You and I can be assholes about it and it doesn't make all that much of a difference. Bellomy's teammates, though, are a different matter entirely. If they're not supporting him and Denard misses any more time, this has the potential to sink the season.
October 30th, 2012 at 3:26 PM ^
October 30th, 2012 at 7:19 PM ^
I don't think anyone stated that Lewan stood up for Bellomy, and that because he did that, no one was to blame. Assign blame to Hoke if it makes your head hurt less. It isn't going to change anything in any way, shape, or manner.
October 30th, 2012 at 7:35 PM ^
Why does there always have to be someone to "blame?" Further, why was it, "unacceptable" and what does that even mean? Lastly, why do you think there was, "NO game plan?" It seemed to me that there was a very distinct plan, it just wasn't executed very well by the QB, all five OLinemen, the TE's, the RB's, and the WR's -- you know, the TEAM?!? Blocked were missed, blitzes weren't picked up, passes were dropped and poorly thrown.
How did Borges not call a game that fit Bellomy's strengths? How was Bellomy not "adequate?" Everything point you made is made with the benefit of hindsight. Unfortunately, while the game is going, and Denard is laying on the turf, the coaches and players have no such benefit. Listen to what Borges said -- the environment into which Bellomy was thrust CANNOT be simulated in practice. He knows the plays, he's executed them in practice, but he's never executed them in front of a Sea of Red and 11 opposing defensive players hell bent on ripping his head off. Unfortunately, the only way to learn how you're going to react in that situation is to actually, you know, be in that situation.
Quit trying to assign blame for everything that happens. Sometimes, things just don't go your way, deal with it.
October 30th, 2012 at 11:48 AM ^
man up.
October 30th, 2012 at 11:51 AM ^
Sometimes shit just happens
Relax.
October 30th, 2012 at 11:57 AM ^
And thank you for that call-out. Dammit for not feeling able to issue retroactive trips to Bolivian.
October 30th, 2012 at 12:02 PM ^
Not that it matters...if you were issuing trips for what was said on Saturday night, a third of the board would be going south for the winter.
October 30th, 2012 at 12:25 PM ^
I don't think there are really any technical rules, at least not written. But, FWIW, I would never retroactively dock points like that and I don't think anyone ever would. Although, our (or just my?) tolerance of idiocity (made-up word) is definitely reduced during post-loss weeks.
October 30th, 2012 at 12:34 PM ^
Come on profitgoblue, I know you want to. Give in, join the darkside.
October 30th, 2012 at 11:49 AM ^
need to get a life in a hurry--fandom, for a lot of people, means taking the ugly for a walk in public, without a leash. But it was unfortunate that we didn't have another QB to try when it became evident early that Bellomy was struggling.
October 30th, 2012 at 11:53 AM ^
Coming in and running a plan for Denard's strengths is defferent than coming in and running a plan for Bellomy's strengths. If the recievers had caught a pass or 2 his day would have went different. If the line was blocking and he had time things would be different. This isn't a 2008 QB forest fire. A good tallented QB put into a bad situation is likely to look bad.
October 30th, 2012 at 11:58 AM ^
Bellomy was in a tuff spot, ya he played poorly but I think most red shirt fresman would have, people do need to lay off the KID.
It was 6 - 14 I believe and Bellomy launched a bomb to Roudtree, had him in stride for a TD Roundtree dove and just missed it, catchable ball though...it was a solid pass. If that catch is made for the TD could have been a completely different game.
October 30th, 2012 at 12:08 PM ^
October 30th, 2012 at 12:56 PM ^
Good. That's exactly what Lewan is supposed to say. It's kind of hard for a lineman to block for someone they don't have any faith in. Also, it's kind of difficult for a defense to respect the pass when a quarterback's own teammates don't have his back..
However, as a fan, I reserve the right for my own opinion, and my opinion is that I don't trust Bellomy under center as much as he doesn't seem to trust his own skills that got him a free ride at one of the most storied programs in the country. Say what you will, but Bellomy isn't the first young kid to be thrown out on the field surrounded by adversity and a sea of raucous opposing fans. Many kids that have excelled on that kind of stage (or atleast did better than 3/16 with 3 picks) were ones that at one point were not deemed good enough to wear maize n' blue. But hey, I'd love for Lewan and Bellomy to prove me wrong next time around.
October 30th, 2012 at 3:00 PM ^
based on one 2nd half performance, on the road, in his first non-mop up opportunity to play? You must be an extremely astute judge of football talent and future potential. Personally, I'm going to give him at least one more chance. I'm guessing he's going to do much better his 2nd time.
October 30th, 2012 at 3:49 PM ^
I'd expect a Michigan quarterback, whether in his first true game experience or not, to do better than 3/16, 3 picks and bunch of other fundamental mistakes that a JV high school QB would get chastised over. Also, he didn't look pretty in his limited mop up playing time either, so I'm sensing a bit of a trend. So, do I trust him? No. But I trust our coaches. So, if they decide to not give DG more reps at QB during practice and think Bellomy can perform on a level fitting for the maize n' blue when the time comes, well than I have no choice but to go with the flow. I can't imagine that he won't improve, but I'll still cringe when it gets on the field until he proves otherwise.
October 30th, 2012 at 6:37 PM ^
Steve Smith in his first start in 1981: 3 of 18 for 38 yards with three interceptions. He was more of a runner than a passer but he ended up being a three-year starter.
Rick Leach in his first start* in 1975: 2 of 10 for 34 yards with 3 interceptions. Leach again was more of a runner than a passer but he was a four-year starter.
*Or his first action. He may or may not have started the game, but he was the full-time starter very quickly.
October 31st, 2012 at 10:32 AM ^
There's an interesting discussion of this on "The Schembechler Years" video. (90 minutes, must-own, imo.)
October 30th, 2012 at 7:24 PM ^
and there in lies your problem -- expectations are very dangerous, and only lead to misery.
October 30th, 2012 at 1:25 PM ^
That's a lot of pressure, in a tough environment. Let's hope we don't get a bigger sample size, but I'm loathe to judge him on just this game.
Hopefully we have some plays in our pocket if this happens again and opposing defenses blitz everyone up the middle because they saw that game.
October 30th, 2012 at 1:32 PM ^
I dont blame bellomy, he's a redshirt freshman that hasn't played much and was thrown in a huge game. The guy was in over his head. But the fact of the matter is that he was in over his head, which is not good for your backup qb.
October 30th, 2012 at 1:42 PM ^
The expectation is for the position. We've heard this a million times. Russ plays Quarterback. For Michigan.
October 30th, 2012 at 7:01 PM ^
I feel like I'm watching the Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Special all over again. How is Russell the only one getting ripped on for this? It takes two players to complete a pass. Nobody played well at the skill positions. Nobody blocked well enough to handle Nebraska's pressure. You've got to catch the ball when it's thrown to you on target. Their passive performance is even worse when you consider the fact that the back up QB had come in. Help him out. Russell was ready to go at the start of the second half.
The worst thing about this game wasn't that Russell didn't have a great game, it's that no one had any idea what to do after Denard went out and the defense decided to stop playing passively. Maybe we've figured out why Notre Dame, Michigan State, Alabama, and Virginia Tech completely shut down our offense. Nobody knows how to operate when someone plays them straight up instead of being out there to just stop Denard.
October 30th, 2012 at 7:37 PM ^
Exactly. Where were the backs, the receivers, the OL during all this? Yes, Bellomy had a horrible game, but who was there to lighten the load? The RB's not getting any yards. The receivers are dropping balls. The OL are missing or not sustaining blocks. The OC doesn't seem to have planned well for this eventuality of Denard getting hurt (and maybe some of this is even on Denard--maybe he still has so many problems to work out that Bellomy isn't getting as many reps in practice that the back up to a three year senior starter should be getting). Let's face it, the offense has been getting by on the sheer grit and athleticism of Denard Robinson. Without him, there's not much to go on. I almost hope Brian doesn't do the UFR for the offense in this game, because it's not going to look pretty for anyone.
October 30th, 2012 at 2:09 PM ^
I didn't like when Lloyd defended Navarre because it always made me hate Navarre even more, but I like this. Teammates have a responsibility to stick up for one another because if they don't have your six who does?
October 30th, 2012 at 3:19 PM ^
Huh, what?
October 30th, 2012 at 2:11 PM ^
But, that doesn't mean we can't be critical of a player who seriously looked terrified and was way over his head.
October 30th, 2012 at 2:15 PM ^
Most of us with his right mind is blaming coaches, not the poor kid who was thrown into a bad bad situation.
October 30th, 2012 at 2:31 PM ^
but let's be honest here, Bellomy looked like an innaccurate quarterback with a weak arm who makes poor decisions. Perhaps it was a product of "the atmosphere," not having experience, blah blah blah... but at the end of the day there were zero positives to take from his performance, so it's hard to expect that people shouldn't be critical. As for personally attacking him or theatening his person that is indefensible. But as far as his gameplay and his abilities as a quarterback, he looked awful. No question.
October 30th, 2012 at 2:41 PM ^