Miami improved from the 97th ranked total offense in 2022 all the way to 31st in 2023.
Still, some Hurricanes fans have reservations about offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson after uneven quarterback play from Tyler Van Dyke this past season. Dawson is also Miami’s quarterbacks coach.
Others will wonder if Dawson optimized his play-calling.
Typically, upgrading your talent at quarterback can make your OC look like a genius. Replacing Van Dyke with Cam Ward, who offers so many more options with his mobility, can really give Dawson an opportunity to flex his creativity.
On my Locked On Canes podcast, colleague Brian Smith helped me break down how Dawson can benefit from a player like Ward behind center.
-Dawson is more adaptable than most coaches from the air raid tree. Brian and I have noted this week that reports indicate that Miami plans to incorporate more pro style concepts for Ward.
-Brian points out that Ward’s athleticism and ability to improvise will give Dawson more options as a play-caller, especially on third down. “He can call the same basic plays, but (Ward) can do things that other quarterbacks at UM have not been able to do.”
-Brian believes that if Ward had Miami’s offensive line last season at Washington, he could have been a Heisman Trophy finalist.
-He thinks Miami can win two or three more games than last season primarily based on what Ward can offer. “Add six more points to every game Miami has.”
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