Michigan State Football: Can Brian Lewerke return to elite form in 2019?
The 2018 season didn’t go quite as planned for Michigan State football but can Brian Lewerke return to elite level form as a senior?
Brian Lewerke had struggles in 2018 whether it was the injury, offensive line or just accuracy, it was a struggle. Many people have their opinions and ideas for why 2018 didn’t work out for Lewerke. With that struggle the bandwagon for him emptied quickly.
Can Lewerke get his groove back? What needs to happen to get him back to productive form?
Let him run
The 2017 and 2018 seasons were night and day for Lewerke. In 2017, it seemed like he was playing his style of football and was comfortable. That style was being a dual-threat quarterback, using his legs to open the field and create space.
It was clear in 2018 that the coaching staff wanted Lewerke to become more of a pocket passer. It may have been a joint decision to lower the amount of runs and hits he was taking but it proved to deflate his game. Lewerke needs to be able to play his game.
Look back at Lewerke’s old highlights from 2017 and even the Oregon game, he’s a talented rusher who can make people miss and gain chunks of yards. In 2019, he has nothing to lose. Michigan State has got to let Lewerke play his game style. If Lewerke’s legs work, there’s a big chance that could give the younger backs confidence and more openings to succeed.
Open the playbook
Brad Salem is the new name at offensive coordinator and with that, all hope is that a new playbook comes with him. Spartan fans can all agree we are dying to see the pass game evolve.
Michigan State has young, inexperienced running backs, so carrying the ball 40 times a game isn’t the smartest option for offensive success especially when success is needed now.
The ball needs to be in playmakers’ hands. With an extremely talented receiving core and two tight ends who can produce, there’s no reason the passing game can’t and shouldn’t be the go-to option for 2019.
Leave 2018 in the past
This isn’t just for Lewerke, this is for coaches, fans and players.
The 2018 season was a failed experiment for everyone. Lewerke took a lot of blame from fans about the team’s failure, when really it was everyone’s fault.
It’s a new year and Lewerke has proven he can run the offense — it’s not like he’s incapable of being a quarterback for Michigan State. Lewerke is well aware of what needs to happen this season. The goal isn’t just to be better — the Spartans want a Big Ten title. He’s going to give all he’s got to prove to himself, players and scouts that he’s a legitimate quarterback who can play next-level football.
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Fan faith
Yes, this is actually important in the process. Chanting “Rocky” in the middle of a game isn’t going to make or help a quarterback play better. Michigan State needs all hands on deck for 2019 including fan support. Full house home games, faith and patience with the quarterback is wanted this season. We’ve all seen what Lewerke is capable of and 2018 is over; let’s clear the board and let 2019 do all the talking.