Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy sees opportunities for offensive improvement – especially deep balls

Michigan football has been able to find a balance offensively over the last few seasons, but the running game still rules the roost in Ann Arbor. Sophomore quarterback J.J. McCarthy‘s emergence has changed that dynamic a bit, but there are still areas that can improve.

Chief among them is Michigan’s vertical passing attack. The Wolverines will never be confused for a team that runs the air raid, or throws 40 times a game. But when opportunities for shots down the field present themselves, some big plays have been left on the field.

McCarthy has converted on 11-of-28 passes of 20+ yards or more this year. with 383 yards, 3 touchdowns and an interception. Throws down the field are not the highest-percentage looks an offense can throw out there, but Michigan has missed a few by inches.

And it has been a point of emphasis this week in practice.

“It’s just constant reps,” McCarthy said on Tuesday night. “We worked so hard on it today at practice. It’s going to click. We are on an upward trend with all of that stuff and it’s going to happen. I can promise you that.”

Self-scouting and owning mistakes

Scoring points was not an issue in the 52-17 win over Rutgers, but an early shot missed to sophomore Andrel Anthony – who missed the ball by a fingertips length – was a source of frustration. But a terrific learning experience for the young signal-caller.

“It did [feel like a good throw], but I just have put more air on it and let him adjust when he’s that wide open. A lot of those in-game shots are so new with everything that happened in the spring and not being able to get those in-game reps in spring ball and early in fall camp. But it is coming together.”

Michigan does not harp a ton on mechanics in-game. There is an awareness of what adjustments need to be made, but McCarthy does not blame his wide receivers. He wants them to know it is incumbent upon him to get the ball delivered.

“Technical stuff happens after the game, but every single time I will say it is on me. They are getting open and I have to put it on them. So I take 100% blame for all the deep balls that are missed.”

Michigan not overcoaching, but knows it can improve

Head coach Jim Harbaugh has often said he does not want McCarthy to be a victim of overcoaching. They have stayed true to that promise. In fact, the two do not have as much in-game contact as fans may think.

“It’s not too much,” McCarthy said. “What I love so much about him is that he’s been there. He has been in that situation. He knows that when you are in the game, you are in your own world and he does not want to mess with anything. But he is always so encouraging. If he sees something, he is always going to let me know and give his advice, but he lets me be and play my own game.”

Michigan is 21st in total offense (465.7 yards per game), 4th in rushing (250 ypg), 93rd in passing (215.7ypg ) and 5th in scoring (42.2). The pass offense has some work to do, but across the board McCarthy thinks everything can improve.

“I still feel like we are not [where we want to be],” McCarthy said. “In my eyes, I don’t think we should be stopped. We have not reached that yet. The beauty of games like the first half we had [against Rutgers] and going back to Michigan State with red zone difficulties, every game brings about new opportunities to improve. We will continue to look for those opportunities. We’re definitely not where we need to be. We should not be stopped at all.”

As far as what he can do better out there, the mobility part of his game is still coming along.

“I can do a better job on third down on scrambling,” McCarthy said. “If something is not there, don’t try to fit it in there. Use my legs and my god-given ability. Be more creative out there.”

Michigan’s offense will attempt to peel back another layer this weekend when the Nebraska Cornhuskers come to town. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday from Michigan Stadium with ABC handling the broadcast.