Navy may throw more with QB Morris’ abilities
Navy could be looking to take full advantage ofMorris’ throwing ability
What a difference a week makes.
At this time lastweek, a disappointedDalen Morriswatched from the sideline as freshman Xavier Arline took all the first-team repetitions at quarterback during practice. Morris had been benched, losing the starting spot after just one miserable half in a season-opening 55-3 loss to BYU.
NowMorris is the toast of the town, having directed the greatest comeback inNavy football history to produce a 27-24 defeat of Tulane. He is being hailed as a hero after coming off the bench to spark the Midshipmen, who trailed 24-0 at halftime.
Not surprisingly, Morriswas named Offensive Player of the Game by theNavy coaching staff and Athlete of the Week by theNaval Academy Athletic Association. Hewas one of eight quarterbacks named “Stars of theWeek” by TheManning Award.
Most importantly, Morriswas reinstated as the starting quarterback and will make his service academy debut whenNavy travels to Colorado Springs to take on Air Force on Oct. 3.
“I toldDalen going into the [Tulane] game to just stay ready,” Navy offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Ivin Jasper said. “Be patient and persevere because there’s going to be a time of second chance and [you must] take full advantage of it.”
That opportunity for redemption came much faster than expected andMorriswas ready, jump-starting the offense with his passing ability and leading the triple-option attack with confidence. The Midshipmen managed only 59 total yards and three first downs during the first half. Navy piled up 291yards in
the second half, withMorris using the pass to set up the run.
Morris completed 6 of 11 passes for
139 yards and a touchdown, loosening up a Tulane defense that had been aggressively crowding the line of scrimmage to stop the run. He set upNavy’s first touchdown with a 44-yard pass to MarkWalker, then later delivered a 32-yard scoring strike toMychal
Cooper.
Navy completed the rally and tied the score at 24-24 whenMorris rolled out and found DevinMathews, open in the back of the end zone for a two-point conversion pass.
“We called some play-action and guys were runningwide open,” Jasper said of the passing success. “Dalen did a good job of staying in the pocket. [He] got back, set his feet and turned it loose.”
CoachKenNiumatalolo said the plan going into the seasonwas to use the strong throwing ability ofMorris to complementNavy’s triple-option rushing attack. Therewere no signs of either during the beatdown by BYU,and the offensewas still nonexistent during the first half at Tulane.
“Whatwe sawin the second half is whatwe had envisioned: our offense with effective, efficient passing,” Niumatalolo said.
Since installing the triple option in 2002, Navy has used its powerful rushing attack to set up the occasional passing play. That formula could be reversed this season sinceMorris is clearly more comfortable throwing the ball than running it.
Navy has always tailored its offense to suit the strengths of its quarterback, and Niumatalolo confirmed thisweek that might mean passing more this season.
“We definitely have to utilize his throwing ability,” the 13th-year coach saidMonday.
Of course, it helps having perhaps the deepest, most talented wide receiver corps of the triple-option era.
Cooper, a 6-foot-5, 221-pound junior, has an NFL body and is a big target going over the middle. Walker (6-2,
203), a sophomore out of St. Peter’s Prep inNewJersey, possesses superb speed.
Senior Ryan Mitchell (6-3, 200) is a returning starter who has seen limited playing time so far this season after suffering a broken hand toward the end of August training camp. Mathews (6-4, 214) andMarcell Gleaton (6-3, 224) are two other big, athletic targets.
“This crop of receivers is without a doubt the bestwe’ve had here in allmy years,” Jasper said. “Theweapons definitely are there. With these guyswe have at receiver and slotback, we have a chance to really be a threat throwing the football.”
Walker showed his elite speed when returning the free kick following the safety recorded by theNavy defense. After retreating to field the long kick, Walker spun around and proceeded to beat awave of defenders to the outside for a 34-yard return.
“We need playmakers like that,” Niumatalolo said ofWalker. “Being able to have a guy that can blowthe top off [the defense] on routes and get past people is definitely huge. [Walker] is a special football player who brings an extra element to the passing and punt return game. We don’t get too many guys like him at theNaval Academy.”
Navy’s wide receiver corps has always been nicknamed the “silverbacks.” Most observers have referred to them as “wide blockers” since that is the primary duty of the position in the triple option. Perhaps this group will distinguish itself for catching passes and scoring touchdowns.
Morris included slotbacks such as ChanceWarren and C.J. Williams when asked about the potential of theNavy passing attack.
“We have a ton ofweapons on the offensive side of the ball andwe plan on using them, for sure,” Morris said. “ChanceWarren probably has the best hands on the team, and C.J. Williams is electric with the ball in his hands.
“I love to throwthe football, so I won’t be complaining ifwe put the ball in the air 20 times a game.”
Fells delivers on trick play
Morriswas on the opposite end of a big completion that helped spark the offense. Navy called a trick play in whichMorris pitched the ball to slotbackMyles Fells, then kept on going, running a short route into the flat.
Fells, who is left-handed, suddenly stopped and threw a pass back toMorris, whowas briefly wide open. However, Fells put too much air under the ball and it seemingly took forever to reach Morris.
Tulane safety ChaseKuerschen sniffed out the play andwas bearing down onMorris as he awaited the pass. Morris made the catch and carefully covered the ball just as hewas drilled by the oncoming defender.
Jasper thought the catch and withstanding the big hit motivatedMorris.
“I think what got him goingwas the [option] pass,” Jasper said. “Myles just turned and threw it, and I thought Dalenwas going to get decapitated. Dalenwent up, caught it, balled up and came down with it. Itwas a great play.”
Morriswas jokingly asked if hewas concerned about losing the quarterback job to Fells, who completed his first career pass attempt.
“I’m notworried about little Mike Vick back there,” Morris said. “He almost gotmy head taken off.”