NFL
By: Rick O’Donnell
Next season will see the Syracuse Orange take on a whole set of fresh faces in the huddle. With how quickly their season fell apart, they can’t afford to sit back and watch in the offseason. Syracuse will attack both the transfer portal and a strong recruiting class, so how do they turn around their passing game in 2026?
Whole Field Approach
If Syracuse wants to get back to having one of the top passing games in the country, it’ll need to recruit players who can effectively attack in the passing game. Quarterback play sure slowed down their fast-paced approach, but that shouldn’t be a problem next season. They need versatility that can adjust to what defenses give them and attack all 3 phases of the passing game. Whether a team sets back and gives up short yardage and behind the line of scrimmage, the middle of the field in mid-range, or long game, the ability to attack in all three phases is key. The offense can’t afford to be one-dimensional, with certain players only playing certain roles. They have a fast team, and forcing defenses to adjust in real time could be their strength.
Heads Up Playmaking
One of the biggest setbacks to any young quarterback is the lack of time in the pocket. Syracuse’s offensive line has been adequate, but average at best. Not only do they need a quarterback who can make split-second decisions, but a line that can give them time when plays break down is the strength of any good offense. Not only does it take the pressure off a quarterback, but it also gives your receivers time to get back on broken plays. This becomes a double-edged sword; once you have a line that can give a QB time, you have to have guys who know when it’s time to give up on their route and bail a QB out.
Physical Receivers
Not only do guys downfield need to adjust to broken plays, but they also need to adjust when plays have been made. Any good offense will have guys downfield trying to spring the ball carrier for bigger yards. Syracuse could use some big, tough WRs who can get in the way of defenders and turn short gains into medium and medium into large. As a receiver, your primary goal is to go out and catch passes, but it’s not your only role in the offense. Speed is great when getting open, but physicality is also key to making a play without the football in your hands. So much focus is on getting guys who make big plays in big situations that the loss of focus on the details can be game-changing.
Clock Management
If the Orange wants to control a game, it has to be calculated. One of the best things to do with a team that is overmatched is to control the football and control the clock. When it comes to quarterbacks, the term “game manager” usually has a negative connotation. Yet, that’s exactly what you expect an offense to do. Syracuse needs guys who can not only attack the game plan with the clock moving as well as stop it when necessary. The Orange has one gear, and it’s always cranked up to 11. They need to settle in and know when to control the pace of the game. They need to play fast when necessary, but also pick apart with precision to keep the clock going. The more time you have with the football, the better your defense is rested.
The Syracuse Orange have some work to do this offseason. They have a good passing game in place; now they just need to fill out some roles with their receivers to get back on top.
