Mid-season virtual report card: Texas A&M Aggies offense
Texas A&M is in the midst of a much-needed break as the team has played six games so far this season, sitting at a disappointing 3-3 with another six games left to show that the program is indeed progressing, just at a gradual speed.
So, as we are officially at the mid-point of the 2022 season for the maroon and white, Aggies Wire is here to hand out a couple of mid-season grades, focusing on the offense and defense so far as the team will prepare to take on the South Carolina Gamecocks on Oct. 22nd next weekend.
Offense: D+
Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports
To know one’s surprise, the grade fits the performance, and after six games played, the Aggie offense has been statistically one of the worst in the country, ranked 110th nationally, and in the bottom half of most individual offensive statistics as well. The blame game has been pervasive to say the least, whether head coach Jimbo Fisher’s play calling, issues at quarterback, or the poor play of the offensive line is the primary blame for their lack of consistency, and especially ball control, a metric that Fisher prides himself, ranking 109th at 27 minutes per contest.
What has kept this group from receiving an F grade? Running back Devon Achane, and the recent emergence of freshman pass catchers Evan Stewart, Chris Marshall, and tight end Donovan Green. Achane is well known as one of the fastest and most versatile backs in the country and currently ranks 4th in the nation in all-purpose yards with 912 on the year. Stewart finally broke on the scene in Texas A&M’s recent loss to Alabama, recording 8 receptions for 106 yards, while Marshall and Green also made their presence felt against the Crimson Tide.
Lastly, the quarterback situation and the offensive line issues can be summarized in a similar fashion, as both have been marred by inconsistency, especially in critical moments in nearly every game this season. Going from Haynes King to Max Johnson and then Haynes King again due to Johnson’s recent hand injury is obviously not a recipe for success, but even King’s statistically impressive performance against Alabama (253 passing, 2 touchdowns) does not inspire confidence due to his mechanical issues still being a constant issue. We will finally learn if the reports surrounding King’s rumored injury have any merit early next week.
The Aggies O-line has honestly been average at best since their elite performance in the 2020 season while failing to live up to preseason expectations based on three returning starters on the right side in sophomores Bryce Foster and Reuben Fatheree, and junior Layden Robinson becoming stable forces.
Injuries have plagued the group throughout the year, yes communication issues against elite SEC defenses (and even Appalacian State) have virtually killed multiple offensive drives no matter who the quarterback has been. The expectation is that the longer the established starting group plays together, they should be able to iron out their fixable issues through the next six games.
Here’s to hoping that smoother roads are ahead for the Aggies offense for the next six weeks.
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