Denard Robinson has been brilliant and flirted with disaster, but the Wolverines are glad he's on their side
Michigan junior quarterback Denard Robinson is, and will continue to be, one of college football's most electrifying players.
Through six games this season, he's also been one of the game's most polarizing.
Robinson spotted Northwestern 14 points on three dreadful first-half interceptions Saturday, but found his Superman cape in time for a second half where he ran for two scores and went 7-of-8 through the air for 149 yards in a 42-24 win.
Despite his Big Ten-worst nine interceptions, Michigan coach Brady Hoke is glad Denard Robinson is the Wolverines' quarterback.
Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com
As a quarterback, the man they call Shoelace has walked a line between brilliance and catastrophe at times this season. But how concerned is Michigan coach Brady Hoke about Robinson's penchant for playing with fire?
"I like him," he said Monday. "I'm glad he's our quarterback."
Following the win Saturday, Robinson said his first-half woes might have been a result of him playing in too much of a hurry, causing his technique to suffer.
He over-shot three balls that resulted in interceptions, each one looking worse than the previous.
On Monday, Hoke continued to defend Robinson's quarterbacking progression, but did admit his early-game struggles were likely a result of forced play.
"He's excitable," Hoke said. "The big thing is that he's got to let the game come to him, sometimes."
Michigan center David Molk agreed, saying Robinson has a tendency to get overly wound up throughout portions of a game. With Robinson, Molk says there is no middle ground emotionally.
He explained how the junior signal caller doesn't beat himself up over mistakes, but does need to be reminded to take a breath from time to time.
"Most football players need to be put back into that state of mind about being hyped up, but Denard's a different player," Molk said. "Every time I see Denard on the sideline, especially after the type of first half that he had (Saturday), I just go up and say, 'Hey, Shoeskie, come on, we have to have some fun this half.'
"And he just smiles, and then we go out and play."
At the halfway point of the regular season, Robinson is the Big Ten's leading rusher with 720 yards and eight touchdowns. His standing in most passing categories are less spectacular.
He's thrown 10 touchdowns, but he has a Big Ten-worst nine interceptions. His completion percentage has risen over the past two weeks, but still sits at less than 60 percent (57). And though he's fifth in the Big Ten in passing yards with 1,130, he's only completed 11.2 passes per contest.
Offensive coordinator Al Borges has applauded Robinson's progression as a passer to this point, and Hoke explained Monday that all six of Michigan's opponents this season have given Robinson markedly different defensive looks.
He's put Michigan in a few pickles with moments of frustration but, in every instance, he's responded with performances befitting his star status.
"I like how he's handled the offense and he's improved every week," Hoke said. "There's always some additions or tweaks that he has to manage.
"I thought from spring to fall until now, his growth has been very good."
It hasn't always been pretty, but Michigan is 6-0. Robinson's had more than a few questionable decisions with his arm, but the Wolverines don't seem anywhere near the point of drastic measures (like turning him into a kick returner/wide receiver).
Michigan's played a game of 'Denard giveth, and Denard taketh away' at times this season. But no one seems overly concerned. Because, as Molk puts it, when he's giving, there's no one in the country that can match him.
"When he's having fun," Molk says, "he's unstoppable."
Nick Baumgardner covers Michigan basketball for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at 734-623-2514, by email at nickbaumgardner@annarbor.com and followed on Twitter @nickbaumgardner.
Comments
Blu n Tpa
Wed, Oct 12, 2011 : 1:27 p.m.
and not on top of him. TiM Go Blue!
Blu n Tpa
Wed, Oct 12, 2011 : 2:15 p.m.
I know, but like you, I refuse to leave the "mirage" of what they make up go unchalleged by reasonable discourse and fact backed commentary. Otherwise this site would be in the fiction side of the internet "library". TiM Go Blue!
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Wed, Oct 12, 2011 : 1:51 p.m.
Don't confuse the MCC with facts, blu. They absolutely hate it when you do that! GN&GL
Blu n Tpa
Wed, Oct 12, 2011 : 1:24 p.m.
OK, let's set the record straight on how the WCiMFH recruited DRob to Michigan. Up until DRob commited to Michigan, on National Signing Day 2009, he wasn't set on where he was going to school. It was between Michigan and Florida and both offered to let him TRY QB. Fact is DRob didn't even visit Michigan until January 9, 2009, after Chavodrick Beaver decommited weeks earlier. Prior to that published reports stated, "Michigan initially recruited Robinson as a defensive back and Robinson declined." Robinson was recruited by Tony Gibson, the DB coach of the WCSiMFH. The reality is if both of Michigan's QB commitments hadn't changed their minds, Kevin Newsome being the other QB to decommit, DRob most likely would never have left Florida. So after DRob falls in his lap, what does the WCiMFH do with the best athletic on the offensive side of the ball during his first season? That's right, starts another guy who also is a freshman, using DRob sparingly. That means the WCiMFH coudn't properly prepare DR to see the field in DR's freshman year. How well did the WCiMFH do getting DR up to speed that first season? How about 14 for 31 for 188 yards. That's a 45.2 completion percentage and a 6.07 y/p/att. He threw 2 TD and 4 INTs. So tbf, this is your "atta boy" to that great genius of offensive football? He either couldn't prepare DRob to play his first season, thereby burning a season out of spite like DGardner last year, or wasn't smart enough to know he couldn't do it. And finally when he gets him in as the starting QB how does the wizard of spread offensive football utilize this gifted talent? Runs him into the ground with little diversity of the load using other players, ending with DRob's frequent visits to the sidelines due to injuries. The reason Denard Robinson is "still" at Michigan is because Coach Hoke talked to him when he took the job and convinced DRob that he would help him stay healthy and build an offense around him,
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Wed, Oct 12, 2011 : 12:36 p.m.
Anyone who question's Denard's intelligence needs theirs checked. That said: There is no question that Denard is an immensely talented young man. There is no question that much of Michigan's early success this year is due to Denard. But there is also no question that Denard has had some problems throwing the ball. He did not do well against the two best teams we have faced so far, ND and NW, for much of both games (3 qtrs against ND, 1st half against NW). And, to be honest, as i watch the last qtr of the ND game on my DVR, I can't help but wonder ow many of those passes where the receiver had to come back for the ball and the defender failed to adjust were just plain lucky. But the most ludicrous assertion made above--and made several times--is that the wolverines are 6-0 due solely to the talents of Denard and for that we have only to thank the WCiMFH. Laughable. --Despite Denard's immense talents and the fact that he was the Big 10's offensive player of the year last year, the team went 7-6, was 7th place in the Big Ten, etc. Why? Because the defense stunk the joint out. This year's defense is much improved, and the WCiMFH and his band of merry incompetents have nothing to do with it. 2) Yes, the WCiMFH recruited Denard. Wonderful. Last time I checked, that's why he was paid $2.1 million per year. Too bad he failed miserably in so may other facets of the game. Of course, using Denard as an example of the WCiMFH's recruiting "prowess" misses the huge gaps that existed in the team (and that continue to exist) that Hoke took over. In the season of 2012, the U will have, at most, 10 returning scholarship offensive linemen. Ten. It is equally thin at linebacker and on the D-line. But this year we have (last time I counted) 14 returning scholarship wide receivers--almost enough to go three deep in a 5-wideout set. All of which leads me to believe that, regarding Denard's recruiting, even a blind squirrel can find an acorn.
DB
Wed, Oct 12, 2011 : 1:43 a.m.
Show me just one other quarterback in the major competetion conferences that led his team to 7 wins with absolutely NO running game from the backs.... and ridiculously NO defense whatsoever......... To the individual that made that ridiculous comment on Denard's intelligence and leadership abilities.... I have no doubt that you believe what u wrote. But what I will say is this: "sometimes speaking from the heart screams ingnorance in volumes."
Tru2Blu76
Tue, Oct 11, 2011 : 7:40 p.m.
It all boils down to this: Denard Robinson has some of the best coaches in the country working with him. His potential is nearly unlimited. AND: He's just a junior year player! Granting: I do feel some of the frustration over No. 16's erratic play. But the above factors outweigh any fan's frustration. DRob is not only the Man of the Hour at Michigan, he'll be the Man of 2012 as well. As DonAZ says, if Al Borges and Brady Hoke both like him and say he's improving: that's plenty good enough for me. I will - spend this season and next enjoying Denard's progression and success. Go Blue!
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Tue, Oct 11, 2011 : 6:26 p.m.
truWCiMFHfan wrote: "It's unbelievable that people are taking Denard's incredible talents for granted. And I think it's mainly the hatred for anything RR that is fueling it." Yeah. Right. Go watch CBS. That's where your boy is now. Good Night and Good Luck
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Wed, Oct 12, 2011 : 1:19 a.m.
"all I'm saying is the reason we have Denard right now is *because of* Rich Rodriguez." Not what you said. You said: "It's unbelievable that people are taking Denard's incredible talents for granted. And I think it's mainly the hatred for anything RR that is fueling it." The two are not even remotely close to being the same thing. So not only do the MCC try to re-write the history of the WCiMFH, they try to re-write the history of what they wrote. GN&GL
truebluefan
Wed, Oct 12, 2011 : 12:07 a.m.
Blu n Tpa - all I'm saying is the reason we have Denard right now is *because of* Rich Rodriguez. He was one of the very few that recruited him as a QB. Give credit where it's due. Is that too much to ask of you and Cousin Eddie? I didn't think so.
Blu n Tpa
Tue, Oct 11, 2011 : 10:24 p.m.
Uhh, tbf, DRob has won more games without the WCiMFH than he did with him. He has finished more games with these new coaches than with the WCSiMFH. He will have a better future with Coach Hoke and Borges than he would ever have had with your coach who won half as many games in his whole first year as the new Wolverines have won in 6 games. DRob has gotten overwhelming support on this thread and for those who didn't, maybe you should consider the source. BW13 You didn't answer any questions. Guess you can't handle the pressure. TiM Go Blue!
truebluefan
Tue, Oct 11, 2011 : 9:42 p.m.
Hmmm, sounds like I struck a nerve with Cousin Eddie. "My boy" is Denard. And he was recruited by Rich Rodriguez. Sorry if that hits too close to that tender nerve of yours.
BigWolverine13
Tue, Oct 11, 2011 : 4:33 p.m.
My comments were made based on observing Denard performing on the field for some 18 games now. His erratic passing is a matter of fact, not a judgment on my part. Regarding his leadership and intelligence as a QB, as I already said, I hope I am wrong. Maybe what I have perceived is actually a lack of discipline and not leadership and intelligence -- I don't know. His amazing skills and talent have obviously carried him thus far with great success. I still have a feeling of dread that he will lose some games because of this lack of discipline, but I remain hopeful that the coaches can help him overcome this problem. For those who think my comments are without foundation, consider the three interceptions in the first half Saturday -- they were not only very poorly thrown, but demonstrated terrible judgment, which is something he has shown throughout his tenure at Michigan. Am I glad he is on our side? Yes, he has made Michigan football very exciting, but time will tell. It would not be fair to judge based on this year regardless of what happens. But in 2012, his senior year, with one more year of experience and with an even more mature defense, expectations will be quite high for Michigan. We shall see.
Larry Weisenthal
Wed, Oct 12, 2011 : 6:58 a.m.
So now you are backpedaling on one hand and doubling down on the other. You watch Denard throw three picks in one half and you use this to make an unfounded assessment of "intelligence" and "leadership." Last year, Michigan had the 2nd highest rated passing offense in the Big 10, including the Bowl game. <a href="http://www.bigten.org/sports/m-footbl/stats/2010-2011/confldrs.html" rel='nofollow'>http://www.bigten.org/sports/m-footbl/stats/2010-2011/confldrs.html</a> The year before that (pre-Denard) is was 8th best. In Chad Henne's last year, it was 5th best. This is just passing offense, not total offense. He's had to adjust to an entire new system, and he's come through under pressure, again and again. You are disappointed that he doesn't run like Denard and pass like Andrew Luck. That he's a fabulous runner and, in the new offensive scheme, only an average passer to date. And that, in your view, means that he lacks intelligence and leadership. Pick your favorite Big 10 quarterback. Mentally have him take all of Denard's snaps in the season to date. What would Michigan's record be, as of today?
truebluefan
Tue, Oct 11, 2011 : 9:43 p.m.
RWB -- that was the best post you've ever made. Bravo!
MRunner73
Tue, Oct 11, 2011 : 9:34 p.m.
Good commentary but only one point is where I would like to counter on and that is the "discipline" aspect. It may be hard to determine "excitable" versus discipline but that's the way Denard's coaches and team mates describe him. Denard has a height disadvantage and cannot see well downfield when there's a lot of traffic (bodies) in the way of his line of sight. Denard indeed looked terrible when throw those three pics against NW. The word I like to use is erratic. Know that the coaching staff is working overtime, as if they don't already, to enable Denard to prove as a passer.
RWBill
Tue, Oct 11, 2011 : 6:07 p.m.
"intelligence" cannot be evaluated with two 300 pound, mean-spirited lineman running at a person. Was Henne smart? Hell, he let himself get sacked more than any other QB in Michigan history. Bending over to let 300 pound lineman fall on you is not very smart, Henne never scrambled or tried to escape the pocket. Robinson? He gets rid of the ball or runs away from big angry boys rather than get thrown to the ground and piled upon. That's a heck of a lot smarter than what Henne ever showed in 4 years. Getting rid of the ball with a questionable throw has absolutely nothing, nothing, to do with intelligence. Accurately analyzing football, however, does.
truebluefan
Tue, Oct 11, 2011 : 3:07 p.m.
It's unbelievable that people are taking Denard's incredible talents for granted. And I think it's mainly the hatred for anything RR that is fueling it. What a shame. Denard is perhaps the most potent and dangerous offensive weapon in Michigan history. Aside from *maybe* Andrew Luck, I would rather have Denard Robinson than any other QB in the country right now.
MRunner73
Tue, Oct 11, 2011 : 2:15 p.m.
As expected, Denard has been very inconsistent wrt his passing game this year. I do not expect too much change. The bottom line is if his passing errors will cost us the game. Thus far; luck has been on our side on that idea. Rather than specifically point out the recent turnovers he threw in the last game and SDSU before that, Denard made some decent corrections. No doubt that he is work in progress. Denard is a very hard worker and is more likely to succeed. He should make slow but erractic progress the remainder of this season. If we take it one game at a time then let's hope he will not make any crucial mistakes against Sparty. Perhaps the Senior leadership on the playing field will be able to keep Denard calm and confident. It sounds like David Molk will play a key role in keeping Denard calmer while in the huddle. We all wish Denard would be a highly accurate passer, but look how our defense rattled NW QB Dan Persa? Remember what we did to Lindley of SDSU? How about Alex Carder of WMU? Look for the Wolverine defense to do the same against Cousins of MSU. The O-line will need to step up and protect Denard, our recievers will need to be sharp and Denard will need to be more consistent in delivering the ball. GO BLUE!!! GO Denard!!!
Blu n Tpa
Tue, Oct 11, 2011 : 10:50 a.m.
BW13 In the last couple of weeks has DR's passing completion percentage gone up or down? How many recievers, (backs, tight ends, and WRs) have caught passes in the last two games? How many interceptions did Michael Vick, who people compare Denard to, throw last weekend? What is Michigan's won-loss record this year with Denard playing? And what do you think it would be without him? Intelligence is partly being able to take all the facts and using your brain arrive at a meaningful, defensible conclusion. You have no stats, you offer no trend, and you lack an acceptable alternative that would match DRob's and Michigan's performance and success year-to-date. DRob is playing a hybrid offensive playbook which means the Coaches are working to get the best out of him AND his teammates, making changes as they go along. How would you like to show up for work almost weekly and have someone say, "Ok, we've made some changes to your job and moved some of the people you are working with around BUT we don't want you to make any mistakes." "And, there are a bunch of people who want nothing more than to take your head off, if given the chance." I could make the case that the most intelligent QB Michigan has had in the last 20 years was Brian Griese. Pretty much maxed out the Wonderlic test entering the NFL and by all accounts smart. Did he ever throw 3 interceptions in a first half of a Big Ten game with the team undefeated? You betcha! 3 INTs vs Iowa and Michigan was down big time at the half. Coach Carr left him in, Michigan came back and won 28-24, I think, and the rest is history. And Brian had no where near the running ability of Denard. Michigan and Denard will be fine. You, I not so sure. Why don't you see if you can answer some of the questions I've posted and see if your post in based on intelligence or something less. TiM Go Blue!
DonAZ
Tue, Oct 11, 2011 : 10:38 a.m.
"Offensive coordinator Al Borges has applauded Robinson's progression as a passer to this point" Good enough for me. If in Borges' judgment Denard is the QB to go with, then "In Borges I Trust."
Hebner
Tue, Oct 11, 2011 : 10:35 a.m.
Denard is one of the most intelligent quarterbacks I have ever seen at Michigan. I disagree with comments to say otherwise, because people choose to see things from their own perspectives and ground rules. Every quarterback misses wide open receivers...and the speed option play depends on the opening the quarterback sees at a given moment. Denard is one of the best leaders ever at Michigan without question. In years to come his name will be mentioned as not only one of the best players to ever play at Michigan, but best leader as well. Denard is a winner! and a very intelligent player and leader. There are so many forms of intelligence he possesses that most people do not understand.
1st Down
Tue, Oct 11, 2011 : 9:52 a.m.
When Denard sets his feet and steps in to his throws, like he did in the 2nd half last week...he has a rifle of an arm... literally the kid has an NFL calibur arm strength. Ive seen him put that deep-out in the flat throw on (the throw that NFL scouts drool over) on a frozen rope several times this year. Denard just has to get that grey area when he is deciding to run or pass down...then set his feet and step in to it... hopefully he will get it this week...
Jarhead
Tue, Oct 11, 2011 : 8:34 a.m.
Here's something to consider. What if Denard were playing for Mich State or Ohio? How would you like to be the Def Cord in that scenario? Its obvious the coaches know what DR is capable of and darned glad to have him. And I'm glad to see the coaches making in game adjustments and not stuck in some pre-concieved ideologies. This has been fun to watch. I don't know about you, but I'm getting my moneys worth.
Jarhead
Tue, Oct 11, 2011 : 8:19 a.m.
How many of those who post here thought that we would be 6 and 0 at this point? How many across the country thought we would be 6 and 0 at this point? We are 6 and 0 because of Denard. And sometimes he makes it look so easy. Lets remember DR is under a new coaching staff and LEARNING a different role. And Borges said Dr has faced a different defense each week. What if we had asked Henne to scramble? Each week we all say the next game is the true test for our team. Maybe the true test is for the other team???
thecompound
Tue, Oct 11, 2011 : 1:47 p.m.
While I agree with most of your post, let's not forget who some of those "6" games were against.
Rufus
Tue, Oct 11, 2011 : 6:33 a.m.
I think questioning his intelligence is over the top; so is questioning his leadership ability. Saying "I'm afraid we are stuck with Denard this year and next" isn't very true. Michigan could go with Devin Gardner. Gardner is a sophmore and very talented. Why don't they? Because if you balance out his 9 interception against his 750 yards on the ground, the good outweighs the bad. Aside from that Denard is 5th in big ten passing yardage. Then add on- that with everyone keying on him- it opens things up for guys like Touissant and Smith, and Shaw and Rawles, ect. He gives you a lot more than he takes. Also, who is to say he won't improve on the times when his throws are horrible. Imagine if he can do that. With all he gives and a stout defense next year. Michigan could easily win the big ten in Hokes 2nd year. Lastly, can't you just appreciate the smiling kids athleticism. My god, it's like watching Barry Sanders or Michael Vick. Seeing that is worth the price of admission. 50 years from now people alive who watched Denard run will still remember him and smile.
Dan
Tue, Oct 11, 2011 : 4:44 a.m.
Denard will be good when he stops throwing the deep ball. And when he does stop throwing OFF YOUR BACK FOOT. This frustrates me more than anything and I fear it will hurt us against better defenses(Aka Wisc.).
heartbreakM
Tue, Oct 11, 2011 : 3:37 a.m.
For those who question intelligence of DR: have you ever played big time football? Who are you to judge? Denard is among the best leaders that Michigan has ever had. He makes mistakes, for sure, but who among us doesn't? He has an incredibly positive attitude and elevates his team like nobody else. He excites the crowd and is always smiling. He wills his team to wins or at least competitiveness for the most part and never ever complains. He is such a positive role model. How do any of us know how "intelligent" he is? I wish he were a perfect passer and think he could improve his technique and accuracy. It is frustrating to see a junior make mistakes but he is an eminently coachable player and is one we should admire and respect rather than insult with such nasty comments. Let us not forget that he is an amateur athlete who represents us, and does so very well. And let us not judge his character or make indefensible comments that are hurtful to him personally.
XTR
Tue, Oct 11, 2011 : 2:53 a.m.
Then the coaching staff should not make him do what he does the worst. Play to his good abilities and minimize his defects as the guy is already a junior and has one and a half seasons to go. Denard alone is a great weapon, but will be more of a weapon when teams worry about Toussaint, Smith, Shaw, Gardner, Koger, Gallon, Roundtree and Hemingway who also scored this year.
Engineer
Tue, Oct 11, 2011 : 1:18 a.m.
Hell yes we are glad he is on our side. This is a new offense this year. He is plenty smart and talented and will be great Saturday. I would rather have a kid with fire than could care less attitude. Denard is a winner and a Michigan man Go Denard and Go Blue!!!!
15crown00
Tue, Oct 11, 2011 : 12:43 a.m.
i'd be glad he's on my side to but he still doesn't throw well on anything but jump ball routes and as it did last season his constant running will catch up with him and with the team
BigWolverine13
Tue, Oct 11, 2011 : 12:42 a.m.
Denard is a consequence of RR. It has been my opinion for some time now that (for better or worse) we are "stuck" with Denard for this and next year. I don't get the impression that he is smart enough for the position of QB and I believe eventually his poor judgement and erratic passing will lose some games. He consistently does not see wide open receivers, misses his targets as badly as I have ever seen in decades of watching football and he lacks judgement -- for example -- when running any kind of option play. The compensating factors are that he certainly can make exciting plays, is extremely instinctive and talented as a runner and, perhaps most importantly, he does not give up and has the ability to recover from his mistakes. Although he is quite likable, I get the impression he lacks the intelligence to be a leader. I hope we can see more participation from DG to compensate for these problems -- either with or without Denard in the backfield. Also: I really do hope I'm wrong and he can improve his passing accuracy and judgement as the season progresses.
RWBill
Tue, Oct 11, 2011 : 5:55 p.m.
Talk about not being smart enough...
truebluefan
Tue, Oct 11, 2011 : 3:02 p.m.
Rufus -- it's quite clear that "BigWolverine13" hasn't read Bacon's book yet. So "Denard is a consequence of RR". Gimme more consequences of RR, please! And "we are 'stuck' with Denard". Aside from Andrew Luck, I'd rather be "stuck" with Denard than any other QB in the country.
Rufus
Tue, Oct 11, 2011 : 11:34 a.m.
BigW13: There are some U of M alumni who take the "Michigan Man" stuff to an arrogant and bigoted level. I say that as a U of M alumni (class of 1982). I'm sure you were a RR hater from day one. I cringed every time I heard personal attacks against RR attacked he was from West Virginia and didn't talk like a Michigan man. You could hate his coaching but was he an evil man? I don't think so. As for Denard and this whole roster. I like the speed they bring to Michigan. In many way the Lloyd Carr years were a decline (particularly in speed- remember Appalachia State). Hoke and his staff are great coaches- but lets hope they keep recruiting the speed. Your questioning of Denard's intelligence in an open forum is uncultured. I think you're views on intelligence and leadership are very narrow. Go blue. Go Denard.
Larry Weisenthal
Tue, Oct 11, 2011 : 7:39 a.m.
Denard's teammates believe in him, and he helps them believe in themselves as a team. This personifies leadership. I can't think of a more exciting athlete who's ever played for Michigan in any sport. Maybe Cazzie Russell. No, not even Cazzie. Not even the three Heismans. Maybe the Fab Five -- but there were 5 of them and there's only one Denard, and we are lucky he's ours.
TIC
Tue, Oct 11, 2011 : 2:24 a.m.
Sometimes consequences can be good, right? For better or worse, I'll take him.
Sallyxyz
Tue, Oct 11, 2011 : 1:36 a.m.
I agree and also hope this turns out to be wrong. Would love to see a winning UM season, for a change. This year is off to a great start, but Denard has limitations. I hope he can continue to grow with each game and become more consistent. All college QBs make mistakes, but hopefully DR will make fewer questionable decisions.