3 reasons Michigan Football needs to air it out in 2022
By Alex Hinton
Michigan football has the personnel to air out
Michigan returns Cade McNamara and J.J. McCarthy at quarterback, leaving the team in capable hands entering 2022. McNamara started every game last season and threw 15 touchdown passes and six interceptions while completing 64% of his passes. However, Michigan football has an open competition this summer and I expect McCarthy to win that battle.
McCarthy’s presence is why it makes sense for Michigan to open up the offense. He has the arm talent to make every throw and fit the ball into windows that McNamara can’t. Against elite competition- like what Michigan faced in the CFP semifinal loss to Georgia- McCarthy gives Michigan its best chance of winning with elite quarterback play.
With another year in the system under his belt, McCarthy should be ready to take command of the offense. He will have a slew of playmakers at his disposal.
Michigan returns Corneilus Johnson, Roman Wilson, Andrel Anthony, and AJ Henning at receiver. Johnson led the team with 40 receptions for 627 yards and three touchdowns.
Wilson and Anthony are both candidates to break out with their ability to take the top off the defense. Michigan also gets Ronnie Bell back from injury. Bell was Michigan’s leading receiver in 2019 and 2020. Keeping all mouths fed will not be an easy task, but all five receivers are capable of putting up 500+ yards if given the opportunity. Freshman Darrius Clemons figures to factor into the playing rotation as well.
Michigan is also deep and talented at tight end.
Erick All returns after ranking second on the team with 38 receptions and 437 yards. Luke Schoonmaker and Joel Honingford back him up. Youngsters Matthew Hibner, Louis Hansen, and Colston Loveland await their shots as well. Tight end can be a difficult position for freshmen to make an impact, but Loveland has a shot after a strong spring.
With so many playmakers and capable quarterbacks to distribute, it would be a shame if Michigan football did not throw the ball more.
I’m not asking or expectating Michigan to go full Air Raid. However, Michigan had a 60/40 run/pass split last season. Being closer to 50/50 is reasonable for this season.