Del Rio’s supporting cast needs to give him something to manage
By Andrew Olson
Published:
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – In recent history, Florida quarterbacks have often been either gunslingers or dual-threat runners. In 2016, the team is led by a type of quarterback unfamiliar to Gator Nation – a game manager.
While that description carries a negative connotation to some, it’s not necessarily a bad thing for the Gators, especially with Jim McElwain as coach. Those Alabama offenses McElwain coordinated from 2008-11 were often led by game managers, and they came away with a pair of national championship rings.
The Gators can win in the SEC with a game manager, but not the way they played Saturday night against UMass. As the 24-7 final score shows, the offense underperformed. It would be easy to point the finger at Luke Del Rio as the leader of the offense, but that would be pointing at the wrong person.
Del Rio’s stat line (29-of-44, 256 yards, 2 TDs) would have been celebrated by Gator fans on many Saturdays last season. And no one will say the Gators aren’t throwing it enough. That 65.9 completion percentage even edges Will Grier’s mark of 65.8 percent at the time of his suspension (albeit Grier did it against much stronger competition than UMass).
McElwain expressed disappointment with a lack of explosive plays Saturday. Though they tried to open with a bomb to Antonio Callaway, the team’s longest play of the night ended up being a 26-yard touchdown pass from Del Rio to Brandon Powell in the fourth quarter that effectively sealed the deal.
He also, rightfully, praised Del Rio. Making his first start, he played smart, safe football. He often got rid of the ball quickly, but wasn’t afraid to take an extra second or two when necessary. A couple of throws could have turned into picks, but on a night of 44 attempts he came away turnover free.
Play-calling is another traditional target of an underperforming offense. While Florida did look vanilla on offense, one can’t blame it on familiarity issues or a mismatch of skill set and system. McElwain and offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier have both had success with game managers at Alabama, and both recruited Del Rio. They certainly knew what they were getting when they named him the starter in August.
Gator fans, on the other hand, aren’t used to having a quarterback like Del Rio. This century, from Rex Grossman all the way through Treon Harris, UF quarterbacks have been expected to create explosive plays with their arms or legs, or both.
Del Rio’s best feature is his brain. And his brain didn’t hold the team back Saturday night.
When pass protection broke down, Del Rio knew to get rid of the ball, taking only one sack on the night. There were also multiple times he had the right route identified, but his receivers failed to make the catch.
The 10 Gators playing around Del Rio need to step up. Once they do, Del Rio will manage accordingly.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
