Texas' QB trio shows tangible improvement in passing offense as Quinn Ewers claims starting role
Texas’ passing game in 2022 was not where Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian wanted it to be. In fact, Sarkisian said at the beginning of spring that improving the air attack was one of his main priorities across the 15 available practices.
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Much of the responsibility for making that part of the Longhorn offense better falls onto the quarterback. Sarkisian has called QB the most important position in sports, and following 14 practices and an Orange-White Game that included no turnovers and several quality throws from Quinn Ewers, Maalik Murphy, and Arch Manning, there were tangible signs of progress made by the top three players in A.J. Milwee’s quarterback room.
Ewers was 16-for-23 for 195 yards and a score. He had several strong, accurate deep throws off play-action, including one early in the scrimmage to Worthy for a gain of 46.
Murphy, who was limited during the spring of 2022 and for the early portions of the 2023 spring session, put on quite a performance. In his first extended action in front of a burnt orange crowd, Murphy was 9-for-13 for 165 yards and a score via a 79-yard deep shot to true freshman five-star Johntay Cook.
Manning, one of the the highest profile prospects to ever sign with Texas, played like a freshman performing in front of over 40,000 people for the first time. When he had time to throw, which wasn’t particularly often behind the line he had blocking for him, he was able to do good things despite his 5-for-13 day at the office.
“I thought our younger quarterbacks did some good things, Maalik and Arch, but at times the eyes dropped,” Sarkisian said postgame. “Now, we’re looking at the pass rush and we’re not getting the eyes downfield to where they need to be. Still a work in progress, but I did think they threw some nice balls and tried to give their team a chance. I thought Quinn was really efficient today.”
Sarkisian labeled Ewers as the Longhorns’ starting quarterback in his postgame press conference, a deviation from how he previously kept things close to the vest when talking about the position. His decision to do so comes on the heels of an offseason where Ewers’ effort in the weight room, learning the playbook, and sharpening his mechanics revealed a player more akin to the one rated so highly out of Southlake Carroll than the one often seen last season.
“Obviously, I didn’t like where was at last year and something had to change if I want to end up where I want to be in the future,” Ewers said postgame. “Something had to change, and I’m starting right here. I feel like I’m eating a lot better. I’m doing all the small things a lot harder, and I’m excited.”
In addition to those aspects, deep passing improvement was a specific focus when looking at the Longhorn passing game. Texas often missed its chances taken downfield last year, whether it was to Worthy or another wideout.
Not only did Ewers find Worthy early Saturday, there were other deep connections made to several of the playmakers on the team. Jordan Whittington caught a deep pass over the middle. Mitchell made plays aside from his touchdown catch. DeAndre Moore dropped what was likely a touchdown, but made several plays in remaining opportunities.
“I think we really took time and worked on the deep balls and got the timing down, the depth, the angles of all the routes,” Ewers said. “I’m really excited of where we’re at.”
Though Sarkisian didn’t reveal more of the pecking order behind Ewers, the snap allocation and the players Murphy lined up with indicated his current standing as the No. 2 guy. Plus, his impressive throw to Cook was a glimpse of the talent Sarkisian has been so excited about.
“I thought what I saw from Maalik was when he really started to settle in, he has natural ability to pass the football,” Sarkisian said. “He’s got great vision. When he pushes the ball down the field, it’s natural. It’s not like he has to force it. He’s got a quick delivery and a quick release.”
Even Ewers liked what he’s noticed from the signal-caller backing him up.
“I would say he’s a lot more comfortable than he was last year.” Ewers said of Murphy. “We came in at the same time. A year in this system really helps you out, and I’ve seen him make huge strides in knowledge of the playbook and knowledge of the defenses. I’m excited for his future. He’s in a great spot right now too.”
And for Manning? His debut looked like many other freshmen debuts. He showed signs of promise with athleticism but was often flushed from the pocket. The throws he completed offered indications of his potential.
“Obviously, Arch just got here and he’s learning the offense great,” Ewers said. “He’s coming along great.”
All that went into a quality showing from an offense tasked with learning how to operate without Bijan Robinson or Roschon Johnson. Without those two, more of the responsibility for moving the ball down the field will rest on the right arms of Ewers, Murphy, and Manning.
Based on their performances in the spring game, they’ve made strides during the spring toward being able to shoulder that heavy load.
