Start Jeremy Johnson the rest of the way and we win the MNC. Okay, I said it. Now, a disclaimer:
***I know full well that you don't sit (Or move to DB) your quarterback who is now 14-2 as your starter and who led us to the MNC game last year. More importantly, our Head Corch would never do that anyway. Therefore, this is just the incoherent ramblings of Uncle Snags.***
In many cases, the back up QB is the most popular guy on the team. In this instance, he has become my favorite player. This is not a case of a guy having potential and should they give him a chance? Jeremy Johnson has seen the field and done enough to prove he can run this offense and run it well. Some would say, "Well, Johnson can't run the read option even close to Nick." I would counter that we run so much read option because of Nick.
Gus Malzahn has always adjusted his offense to fit the man running the show. Auburn set what at the time were new offensive records with a QB who had a gimp arm and the speed of a sloth in 09'. That offense looked nothing like the one Malzahn ran in 2013 and so far in 2014. I think the conventional wisdom when they named Cam as the starter was that if he could be close to what Todd was in accuracy, that the offense could be much better with his added dimension of being able to run. No one predicted what was to follow.
Maybe people see things differently on Marshall but through 3 1/2 games this season, I've come to the point of holding my breath every time he drops back. The running game has hit a bit of a road block so we've had to throw it around a little more. He threw a beautiful pass to Bray on that fly pattern. The other two TD passes should have never been thrown. Both into double coverage and both times he was bailed out by incredible athletic plays. That will not happen against the defenses they have coming up. And don't forget the strike he threw to the La. Tech DB that was dropped.
Ultimately, this is my thinking. Outside of Cam Newton, JJ is one of the most complete QB's we've ever had at Auburn. No, he hasn't played enough to prove that conclusively. I got that. But he has shown me enough to say he could be scary good. He has the size, the arm strength, incredible accuracy and yes, he can run. And run well. He's certainly not on Marshall's level in the running game but few are. But, this team will not read option it's way to the SEC West title. This team has to be more balanced and JJ gives us that opportunity. I'm having less and less faith that Marshall can go there.
We have a stable of backs and receivers on par with anyone in the country. We have a tight end/H-back in Uzomahbamadad that's not being utilized. I'm not advocating ditching the run and throwing the ball all over the field. I'm saying in 2010, defenses had to respect every aspect of our offense. They don't right now. Yes, he has a different style and he can't bowl over people like Cam could. But I see the offense being run the same way with JJ at the helm. Right now, it's "Well they stuffed the run...wonder what adventure awaits us in the passing game?"
No, it's not going to happen. Hey, maybe Nick will kick it in high gear starting this weekend. I'll be in JHS pulling for that to happen. It's just that we have murderer's row coming up from now til the end of the season and if our offense is still being run this way....
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