Jordan Ta’amu looks comfortable starting as the Ole Miss first team quarterback. Will this cause a QB controversy for the Rebels between Ta’amu and injured starter Shea Patterson?
The amazing catch by D.K. Metcalf for the game winning touchdown against the Kentucky Wildcats is the thing legends are made of. However, seemingly overlooked was the magnificent pass that led to the catch. The ball was thrown only where Metcalf could catch it. It is passes like that from Jordan Ta’amu that will create a quarterback controversy next year.
Shea Patterson’s unfortunate injury he suffered during the loss to LSU has ended his 2017 campaign. Many fans thought any chance of salvaging this season ended that day as well. Then stepped in Ta’amu.
Although the Arkansas game ended in a horrible defeat, Ta’amu stood out by his ability to effectively run the offense. In fact, he looked comfortable behind the center. It leaves one to wonder if Ta’amu will go back to the number two role when Patterson returns? Or even should he?
If the Rebels somehow rights the ship and end this year 6-6 or 7-5 behind the good play of Ta’amu, it has to be a serious discussion. Let’s look at some keys to determine whether this will truly be a controversy or is he simply keeping the starting spot warm for Patterson.
Statistics
Ole Miss Rebels Football
Shea Patterson was on his way to a record-breaking year. While playing six and a half games he passed for over 2200 yards. He showed off his canon of an arm several times this year.
Patterson accounted for 17 touchdowns during the 2017 season. He was having an All-SEC caliber season. If there were any faults it would be those nagging nine interceptions. He didn’t throw them all the time. However when he threw them, and he threw them in bunches.
Patterson threw three against California. Then he threw two against Alabama. Although he didn’t play the entire game, he threw three against LSU. He was on pace to throw 18 for the year. That’s a lot. Patterson has missed two games and there is still only one player in the SEC that has thrown more interceptions, Nick Fitzgerald of Mississippi State.
Ta’amu does not have as strong an arm as Patterson but it is still very effective. He has been accurate. In fact, his numbers compare favorably to Patterson. Although I know it is a small sample size, it does give you an indication to his effectiveness.
The Numbers
When you compare the two games that Ta’amu started with the six games Patterson started and completed the numbers are interesting. This eliminates the LSU game since neither had a complete game. Before you say that Patterson had to play Alabama and Auburn, he also got to pad his stats by playing UT-Martin and University of South Alabama.
Ta’amu averages 375 yards passing with a 176.88 QBR. Total Offense of 9.09 per play.
Patterson averages 357 yards passing with a 166.78 QBR. Total Offense of 7.31 per play.
Ta’amu has a better completion percentage at 71.6 versus 63.9. Before you say they are shorter passes, Ta’amu averages 10.2 per attempt, Patterson 8.7. So if you’re looking for a starting point for the 2018 QB controversy you can start there.
Longo’s Offense
The defense was expected to struggle some this season. Although not struggle as bad as it has. However, the offense was supposed to be in good shape. Phil Longo was coming in to run his version of an air raid type offense. For the most part the offense is on par with last year’s offense. Although fans give him lots of grief, the offense that probably takes a full season to get used to running, has been effective.
Patterson’s talent has led him to be very successful. Any offense in which he gets to show off his arm is an offense he can shine in. Patterson is mobile and can extend plays, however he isn’t meant to be a dual threat quarterback. He doesn’t have that quick initial burst that is required to be a true mobile weapon.
Ta’amu is different. There is a fluidity to his movement. On his 49 yard running up the middle during the Arkansas game he showed that he possesses the speed needed to be a true running threat. It plays right into the offense that Longo wants to run. Quick hits and speed all over the place. Ta’amu running ability opens up every aspect of that offense. Especially since he has proven he can make the passes.
Now there is a chance Longo may be gone after this year. If a new coach come in, he may bring his own guys. However since we don’t know, we will assume he will be back next year with a chance to fine tune his offense. Last reason there may be a QB controversy in 2018…
Competition is Good
Many of the kids that go to play for Power 5 schools are the best high school football players in the country. A lot are highly recruited by several colleges. They have been in the starting lineup at every level of football. Especially kids who are highly rated. It may do them good every now and then to be pushed.
The reason why there could and should be a quarterback controversy is that it will create a natural competition. The idea that there could possibly be a better QB option on the team than Patterson never came to the mind of most fans. I’m not saying Ta’amu is a better option now. However, he has proven that he can play at a high level. That should make for a very healthy competition next year.
There is a biblical saying that “iron sharpens iron.” Having these two talented players on the same team will cause both of them to get better. Maybe Ta’amu will push Patterson to be better. Or Ta’amu will break away and earn the starting job. Either way, it feels good knowing that whoever gets the start next year can be successful.