‘We gotta make the plays’: Mike Denbrock demands, expects more from Notre Dame passing game

Notre Dame offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock has set the tone for the upcoming season with a clear and resounding message—expectations are higher, and execution must improve. As spring practices progress, Denbrock has been vocal about his desire for a more dynamic and efficient passing game, challenging his quarterbacks, receivers, and offensive staff to elevate their performance.

Notre Dame’s Passing Game in 2024: Strengths and Weaknesses

The Fighting Irish finished the 2023 season with a respectable 10-3 record, but their aerial attack often left something to be desired. While the running game flourished behind a powerful offensive line, the passing game lacked consistency. At times, it struggled to find rhythm against elite defenses, which ultimately cost the team in crucial matchups.

Denbrock, who returned to South Bend after serving as LSU’s offensive coordinator, has wasted no time in pinpointing areas for improvement. “We’ve got the talent, we’ve got the system, but at the end of the day, we gotta make the plays,” he said in a recent press conference. “It comes down to execution, preparation, and putting our guys in the best positions to succeed.”

Quarterback Play: The Key to Unlocking the Offense

With the departure of veteran quarterback Sam Hartman, Notre Dame’s quarterback competition is one of the most talked-about aspects of spring practice. Sophomore Steve Angeli and transfer signal-caller Riley Leonard are battling for the starting role, and Denbrock has emphasized the need for leadership, precision, and quick decision-making.

Leonard, who transferred from Duke, brings athleticism and experience to the table. While he showed flashes of brilliance in the ACC, he must adapt to Notre Dame’s offensive schemes and develop chemistry with his receivers. Meanwhile, Angeli, a promising young talent, has spent the past year learning the system and is eager to prove he can take the reins of the offense.

“The quarterback position is about commanding the offense,” Denbrock stated. “We’re looking for someone who can push the ball downfield, make smart decisions under pressure, and most importantly, be a leader in the huddle.”

Revamping the Receiving Corps

One of the biggest challenges for Notre Dame in 2023 was the inconsistency at the wide receiver position. The loss of key playmakers hurt the passing game, and the team often relied heavily on its tight ends and running backs in the receiving game. To fix this, Denbrock is putting pressure on the wide receiver unit to step up.

Players like Tobias Merriweather and Jaden Greathouse have shown promise, but Denbrock wants to see more from them in terms of route running, separation, and reliability. Additionally, incoming five-star freshman Cam Williams is expected to make an immediate impact, providing the Irish with a deep-threat capability that was often missing last season.

“The passing game is about timing and trust,” Denbrock emphasized. “Our quarterbacks need to trust that their receivers will be where they need to be, and our receivers need to create opportunities and win their matchups.”

Tight Ends and Running Backs as Key Weapons

One of Notre Dame’s traditional strengths has been its use of tight ends in the passing game. The legacy of greats like Kyle Rudolph, Tyler Eifert, and Michael Mayer continues with Holden Staes and Eli Raridon, both of whom are expected to play significant roles in 2024. Their ability to serve as security blankets for the quarterbacks will be crucial in high-pressure situations.

Additionally, Notre Dame’s running backs, led by Audric Estimé and Gi’Bran Payne, will continue to contribute as pass-catching options out of the backfield. Denbrock has emphasized the importance of versatility, noting that a modern passing attack needs to involve all skill positions.

Offensive Line Protection: A Critical Factor

A key element in improving the passing game will be the performance of the offensive line. Notre Dame has long been known for producing elite linemen, and this year’s unit will be tasked with giving the quarterbacks time to operate. With several returning starters, Denbrock is confident that the line can provide the necessary protection, but he also stresses the need for quicker reads and decisive throws.

Game Plan Adjustments and Scheme Evolution

Denbrock’s offensive philosophy has always emphasized balance, but he recognizes that for Notre Dame to compete at the highest level, the passing game must become more explosive. That means implementing more aggressive downfield plays, optimizing play-action passing, and creating mismatches against opposing defenses.

“We’re not going to abandon what makes us successful, but we also need to evolve,” Denbrock said. “We want to push the tempo, keep defenses on their heels, and create more scoring opportunities.”

Looking Ahead: High Expectations for 2024

As Notre Dame prepares for the 2024 season, the pressure is on to develop a passing attack that can match the strength of its defense and running game. With a competitive quarterback battle, an emerging receiving corps, and an experienced coaching staff, the pieces are in place for significant improvement.

The message from Denbrock is clear—execution will be the determining factor. “We have the talent, but talent alone doesn’t win games,” he concluded. “It’s about putting in the work, making the right reads, and stepping up when it matters most.”

If Notre Dame’s passing game can take the next step under Denbrock’s leadership, the Fighting Irish could be poised for a legitimate run at the College Football Playoff. The challenge now is making the plays when it counts.