Check in if you still think Daniels can’t throw?

His "throwing" leaves much to be desired. Much.

He sucked on the bomb. I pointed out in another thread that he only missed the receiver by a yard, but he missed his spot by ten yards, at least. That ball should have been between the hash marks and the sideline, and closer to the sideline.

Other than that he threw the ball well. He wasn’t asked to do much. Most were receiver screens thrown for zero yards without the run. He had a beautifully thrown slant. That’s the only throw I remember that was complete that was also a challenge. Maybe there was another.

He’s a 22 mph Jacoby Brissett

I just re-watched the entire game and came away impressed with Daniels’ passing for the game. It was a much better defensive opponent than Southern and he did an even better job of keeping his eyes downfield and making good open throws.

Here were a few things I noted as I watched:

* Hit his WR screens nicely in this game. Threw them quick before the defense could react and accurately so the WR could immediately turn upfield. He missed on a few of these easy throws vs Southern and State. This is a great way to get all of the WRs involved in the game and free to make plays in space. It also makes for a great fake to freeze the D for a step once it works on them.

* The two throws to Jenkins on 3rd downs on the last drive of the 2nd half were a good sign. There was coverage on both, but Daniels didn’t hesitate and Jenkins made the plays. We need more, but if he starts trusting his guys to make these plays, the passing game will improve and we’ll start hitting big plays.

* The throw to Nabers on a rollout on the 2nd drive of the 3rd quarter is another thing we need more of. Daniels kept his eyes downfield and made an accurate enough throw. Nabers almost botched the catch, but pulled it in. Hopefully this will become a habit for Daniels when he starts to scramble, because guys will come open late as defenders are forced to think about him scrambling to their side of the field.

* The bomb to Hilton was released a second too late, but that’s a ball he likely holds onto in previous games.

* Nabers actually cost us a TD a couple of times in this game. He didn’t sell the pick on K Taylor’s TD that was called back. He also went the wrong way on an option route in the end zone. Daniels actually made the right call and threw to the open space. Nabers pointed at himself acknowledging the mistake right after the play. He more than made up for these and I’m sure he will get them cleaned up. I did like seeing Daniels make the right read and let it fly there on 3rd down, though. Hopefully they are on the same page in the future.


The offensive play calling seemed to fit Daniels’ strengths much better than in the first halves of the last three games and he got comfortable early because of it. Get rid of the penalties and mistakes that cost us points in the first half and we can have an effective offense vs SEC opponents.

He’s getting better each week. I just wish he slung it more like Hendon Hooker does.

So he’s a NFL caliber QB? Pretty damn good then.

Daniels appeared to be very much in his element in the NM game. He looked good against the competition.

Unfortunately, the majority of the time, particularly against opponents not named Southern or New Mexico, he obviously can't. Thankfully, he made some throws when it counted late against Florida St. And waited until 3rd and 4th down to do so late against State. Hopefully he improves as he gets more game reps and experience throughout the season. We should be able to beat Auburn, but after that, his passing performance thus far ain't gonna cut it against the majority of the teams left on the schedule. I'm rooting for the guy. Of course I am. But, he's just not a very good passer.

The gameplan last night was well suited to his strengths. He can throw. He just can’t read a defense. But by getting the ball to our elite receivers quickly, he can be effective.