How Notre Dame Can Jumpstart Riley Leonard and the Offense

The Irish need to change their offensive approach to survive this rough patch

Aug 31, 2024; College Station, Texas, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Riley Leonard (13) attempts to pass the ball during the first quarter against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images / Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

Notre Dame must change their approach to salvage the season

Notre Dame is ranked last or almost last in a multitude of offensive categories so far in 2024 when it comes to the passing game. From last in the country in pass efficiency, last in the country in TD passes with zero, to last in the country in 20-yard pass completions with only one, things are not going well.

It isn't a surprise to me that Notre Dame is struggling in this area, it is surprising to me the Irish are struggling to the extent they are. Things must change quickly with this offense if Notre Dame hopes to turn things around and salvage their season.

A monster of a graph showcasing completion percentage over expectation (CPOE) and a QBs average depth of target. Only goal is to be high up on the graph. Matthew Sluka has taken the "Only bombs" torch from Sam Hartman #CFB #CollegeFootball pic.twitter.com/yzlILT7TgQ

— CFBNumbers (@CFBNumbers) September 10, 2024

How Can Notre Dame open up the offense?

If Notre Dame is going to continue to play Leonard, and it seems that is the plan, it will need to adapt its approach to be successful. Leonard is a comfortable runner.

While nobody wants to see him take more hits and risk injury, there needs to be more planned runs with him moving forward on RPOs, option looks, and by moving the pocket.

While the downfield passing game continues to try and find itself, Notre Dame needs to lean into the terrific running back room and tight ends for help. These units feature your most proven skill players and must be leaned on while the receivers and Leonard try to find any sort of rhythm.

Notre Dame is in a tough spot right now and must use what they can trust the most while trying to improve in other areas.

Notre Dame QB Riley Leonard Injures Shoulder, Gameplan for Purdue Concerns

For more Irish news & notes follow John on Twitter @alwaysirishINC, Always Irish on Youtube and or your preferred audio podcast provider.