More Questions to Answer: Is The Notre Dame Wide Receiver Group Good Enough?
Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
With the first two games of the season completed, the Notre Dame wide receiver group has answered some questions and left others remaining. For a group that seemed poised to right some wrongs, it appears it could be another year of the same.
On previous Notre Dame teams, the receiving core lacked multiple, if not one, true threat on the outside that defenses had to be aware of. The Irish offense always seemed to have solid players at the position who could keep the chains moving from time to time and could occasionally pull off a big play. Luckily for Notre Dame, the offense has been historically geared around the run game, taking some of the responsibility off the receivers.
This season, the group appeared to have multiple players who could change the narrative that Notre Dame receivers were not elite playmakers. The group was projected to be a deep one with young talent and proven veterans. In a year without Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price, it seemed like the perfect time for this group to take a step forward and carry the burden of an offense looking to make a run at a National Championship. Through two games, they still appear to be missing that special player who makes a solid group a great one.
Yes, in past years, talented Irish wide receivers may have been able to explain a lack of production due to the quarterback at the time. For these current players, they no longer have that excuse. CJ Carr is one of the best QBs in the country, and he has proven time after time that he is more than capable of getting the ball to his players. With a QB like him, it falls on the receivers to consistently get open in order for him to find them.
Notre Dame's offensive philosophy is not designed for QBs and wide receivers to constantly record video game-like stats, as it is an offense that favors the run game and time of possession. However, through two games, the pass game still looks mundane at times. While Carr is an amazing passer, the receiving production is still lagging. Against Wisconsin, Jordan Faison was the only Irish receiver to go for over 50 yards. The next best was Notre Dame Running Back Nolan James Jr. In their next matchup against Rice, the numbers did take a tick up, but that was against vastly inferior talent, which they will see for a majority of the year. They may be able to take advantage of inferior talent, but if this team is going to reach their goals, the receivers are going to have to figure out how to win against the nation's best.
For Irish fans, this has become a frustrating cycle. Every year there is hope that the wide receiver group will finally produce a truly elite player. Looking around the country, the best teams have that type of player on the outside who completely transcends their offense. Faison is an excellent player who has come up big for the Irish in some big moments, but even he has his limitations. Jaden Greathouse has shown flashes of explosiveness but disappears for long stretches. Micah Gilbert has taken a step in the right direction, but he also lacks consistency. The two Ohio State five-star transfers have yet to make their mark on the season. Mylan Graham has struggled to get consistent reps, and Quincy Porter is still nursing a knee injury.
With all of this being said, there is still a lot of talent in this room that could make the Notre Dame passing attack dangerous. With two games under their belt, they may begin to find a groove that could propel them through the rest of the season. The receivers could also use some help from the run game. With it also being a bit lackluster at times, it makes it even harder for receivers to get open. If Marcus Freeman and Mike Denbrock can figure out a way for the offense to play complementary football, with both working in unison, there is still time for this Fighting Irish offense to kick into high gear before running into stiffer competition.
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