Kedon Slovis Excited to Open Up Pitt Passing Game
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PITTSBURGH -- The Pitt Panthers - everyone from the head coach to offensive assistants to the players themselves - have said for the past six months that they are aiming to be a more balanced offense this season. But through four games in 2022, Pitt's attack has been decidedly run-heavy.
The Panthers have attempted 107 passes compared to 170 rushes. Part of that is born from circumstance. Last week, in his first career start, redshirt freshman Nate Yarnell attempted just 12 passes while Israel Abanikanda ran wild for 133 yards and a touchdown. Even with starter Slovis back against Rhode Island, Pitt opted to run 41 times and air it out 27 times considering how much attention the Rams gave the defensive backfield.
“A lot of different coverages. We tried to dial up some shots and you have to be a good decision maker and check it down. That’s why you see me checking down to [Israel Abanikanda] a few times and Konata [Mumpfield]."
It's been a winning strategy, especially as of late. Abanikanda is perhaps the hottest back in America right now, averaging 154.7 rushing yards and two touchdowns per game and the team has scored 35.3 points over the last three contests. But while the focus has been on running, Slovis thinks this team is still capable of scoring and winning through the air.
"I think we’ve shown that at times," he said. "I think the first half of the Tennessee game, we completed the ball a lot, we threw the ball a lot at least in the first half. But I think the offense is very multiple. We take whatever the defense gives us."
Head coach Pat Narduzzi and Slovis both said the offensive gameplan is a reaction to tendencies that the Panthers see on film and during the game. If a defense wants them to run the ball, they will and if they want Pitt to pass, they're more than comfortable with doing that as well. Slovis thinks that Abanikanda's hot streak could draw more bodies into the box and open the back end up for he and the receviers.
"I feel like this offense anything we see on film, we’re going to attack," Slovis said. "Could give us an opportunity. Maybe some teams still don’t respect it and we’ll do that. Regardless of who we play, I think it’s really important to establish the run because it opens up everything."
But more attempts or yards isn't something Slovis expects. If they come, he'll gladly take them but the focus is winning and remembering that what's good for the team is good for the individual helps keeps his goals clear.
"I think as a competitor, as a player you always want to let it go and let it rip, but you have to do what's best for the team to win. I think the guys know that. Obviously, the receivers want to catch every ball and have 100 yards and score every touchdown. ... But it's a team sport and you got to do what's best for the team."
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