The State of CU Buffs Football: A Quarterback Quandary and Offensive Struggles
HOUSTON — Screens Won’t Save Deion Sanders’ Dreams
As the Colorado Buffaloes navigate a challenging beginning to their football season, a critical question looms large: Can Coach Deion Sanders find a way to salvage his aspirations for the team? With the Buffs sidelined with just one victory out of three games, it’s apparent that screens alone—and indeed, the current quarterback situation—will do little to rescue the program from its struggles.
The Bruising Reality of Losses
Recent games have been a harsh reality for the Buffs. First, they faced a tough matchup against Georgia Tech, which left them feeling bruised, and later, a tough defeat at the hands of Houston seemed to compound their woes. The stats tell a bleak story: if Coach Prime is serious about turning this season around, major tactical changes are necessary beyond merely selecting the right quarterback.
Questioning the Play-Calling Approach
The role of offensive coordinator has come under scrutiny, particularly with Pat Shurmur at the helm. Fans might rightly wonder if it’s wise to put a young quarterback like freshman Julian Lewis in Shurmur’s hands. The question is evocative: would anyone genuinely trust Pencil Pat with their prized Lamborghini if he’s shown tendencies to leave the parking brake on?
As it stands, the Buffs’ offense seems trapped in a limited pattern with only a few options available: a wide receiver screen here, a handoff there, and the occasional reverse play. This predictability is not only frustrating for fans but is quickly becoming exploitable for opponents.
Navigating the Future vs. Present Goals
At this juncture, with a record of 1-2 and a daunting schedule ahead featuring TCU, Iowa State, and Utah, the urgency for the “now” is palpable. If Lewis isn’t seasoned enough to shine just yet, he remains too significant a player to bench indefinitely. The local fanbase craves hope amidst disappointment, and showcasing Lewis, even if the results aren’t perfect, could provide a glimmer for the future.
Inside Coach Prime’s Dilemma
Coach Sanders is grappling with a multifaceted dilemma. While he presents a bold front, proclaiming confidence in his planning and practices, there’s an evident gap between pre-game expectations and in-game realities. He expressed post-game disbelief after the loss to Houston, highlighting a disconnect between preparation and performance.
Seeking the Ideal Signal-Caller
If artificial intelligence could meld the skills of the current quarterbacks into one ideal player, Coach Sanders would be sitting pretty. Unfortunately, the reality is a fragmented approach where Kaidon Salter’s legs, Ju Ju Lewis’ potential, and Ryan Staub’s instincts are split among three distinct players. This lack of cohesion has allowed opponents to exploit weaknesses more easily, detracting from any attacking strategy.
Breaking the Mold
The proposition of a mixed-use quarterback strategy comes into play. Could Coach Sanders consider starting Salter for practical plays, only to pivot to Staub in high-pressure moments? While such an approach may sound unconventional, it reflects the merit of thinking outside traditional frameworks when faced with limited options.
The Challenge of Progress Amidst Struggles
Shurmur’s statements following a home victory provide insight into the team’s current state. His comparisons to NFL preseason games suggest a learning curve, but if that’s the case, why is the focus on victories rather than effective groundwork for future success? The time to assess and solidify the offense was in August or even before, not now, when each game can impact the standings.
Underestimating the Opposition
There’s an ever-looming reality: the Big 12 won’t wait around for the Buffs to catch up. As much as the pro-Sanders camp harbors hope for improvement by November, Shurmur’s coaching style appears unlikely to fuel that progress. With multiple rushing attempts on first downs and a predictable game plan, the urgency for innovation is increasingly critical, especially if the aim is to maximize Lewis’ development.
The repetitive patterns in play-calling are becoming apparent to everyone, including opponents. If the objective truly centers on molding Ju Ju Lewis for future triumphs, change must be prioritized—because standing pat is no longer a viable option.