Marcus Freeman under fire again for Riley Leonard - Notre Dame offense comments
Because of the way the Notre Dame football season has unfolded, despite the Irish being 3-1, plenty of people simply aren’t happy with how the offense has played. The frustrations over the offense reached a head near halftime on Saturday. Despite taking a lead into the locker room over the Miami Redhawks, boos rained down. Mostly aimed at starting quarterback Riley Leonard.
Despite fans being more than a little frustrated with Leonard’s inability to consistently use the weapons the Irish went out and got for the passing game, there is one person who is as dedicated as ever to the former Blue Devil. Head coach Marcus Freeman has no intention of benching Leonard for Steve Angeli or Kenny Minchey.
But on Sunday, Freeman came under more fire for his comments. Not the ones about keeping Leonard the starter. Instead, he’s under fire for making comments that seem to indicate the head coach would rather hamstring the Notre Dame football offense than go with someone who might be a better passer.
This set of comments came shortly after the Irish beat the Redhawks 28-3. Normally, a post game interview after a big win would be welcomed. Not this time.
Notre Dame football coach under fire for Riley Leonard comments again
The comments came after Freeman was asked what he thought of his quarterback’s play against Miami.
“He was consistent. There are some throws he’s got to make. He knows that. We’ll clean it up in practice. Or guess what … if we don’t like the way he throws those plays in practice, then don’t call them you know?”
Freeman then explained he believes the Irish need to put Leonard in a place to succeed, which is far less odd than the part about not calling some plays because his starting quarterback can’t handle them.
Unsurprisingly, fans weren’t thrilled.
I love Freeman, but what happened to playing to a standard?? We’ve lowered RL passing expectations so low that instead of next man in who can do the job, Freeman is saying let’s just not call the pass plays since he can’t hit them is ridiculous. https://t.co/yt3keWjHnc
— Malik Zaire (@MalikZaire8) September 22, 2024
Maybe it was just a weird use of words.
I don’t know if he means this or just isn’t a good extemporaneous speaker #NotreDameFootball. I hope the latter. https://t.co/egETdQa7kX
— Phil Young (@PhilYoung101) September 22, 2024
The product on the field isn't good enough.
My son and I love Notre Dame with immense passion. But to charge what they charge for season tix and put this type of product on the field is insane. "If he can't make the throws don't call the plays"?? I support HCMF. 6 hour round trip, invested.. but do better, cuz we #LoveThee https://t.co/xtdKZXkXLF pic.twitter.com/7vROU7lWm5
— YeaThatGuy (@jtlahne) September 22, 2024
Confusion reigns.
Don’t call pass plays???? https://t.co/klRq0wBdCP pic.twitter.com/7eEs4CZ5HZ
— Matthew Kempf (@mjk21_) September 22, 2024
Maybe just play the more talented Notre Dame football quarterback instead of changing up the offense.
Or play the more talented QB: Kenny Minchey who can run this offense the best with his arm and feet… https://t.co/WW3ZugKJv1
— GoldeNDomerz☘️ (@TeeMil3) September 22, 2024