Deep Ball A 'Point of Emphasis' for Longhorns Offense Says Steve Sarkisian

Despite fielding a potent offense last season, Quinn Ewers and the Texas Longhorns struggled with consistency on the deep ball.

© Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports

In year two under Steve Sarkisian the Texas Longhorns took a major step forward in terms of record, improving from 5-7 in 2021 to 8-5 with an Alamo Bowl appearance in 2022. 

While the record was noticeably better, their offensive production remained consistent from Sarkisian's first year - from 35.2 points per game on 424.8 yards of total offense in year one to 34.5 points per game on 429.5 yards of total offense in year two.

However, while the offense remained explosive, there was one glaring area they struggled in during Quinn Ewers' first season - the deep ball. Ewers showed flashes on down-field throws, but overall he and his receivers couldn't consistently dial up those deep shots. 

Now, as Ewers enters his second season with the Longhorns, Sarkisian made sure to emphasize the importance of improving in that area.

"Our offense doesn't quite work the way it's supposed to work if we don't hit some of those plays," Sarkisian said. "I don't expect us to be 100 percent. Any time you throw a ball beyond 15 to 20 yards, the percentage is naturally going to drop. But we try to create those opportunities down the field, and then finding that rapport of the deep ball.

"Whether it's a post, a go, deep crossers or whatever they are - and how it complements the run game and the intermediate passing game is all critical to our success as an offense and then ultimately as a team. That part of the game is a huge point of emphasis of ours and I think we're starting to see the benefits of it."

As a freshman Ewers threw for 2,177 yards with 15 touchdowns and six interceptions, however, he only completed 58.1 percent of his passes. The flashes were there, especially on his deep ball, but now he must consistently put those throws on display.

If he can take that next step forward and hit receivers down the field at a consistent clip, then the sky is the limit for the Longhorns' offense in year three under Sarkisian. 

---

You can find Connor Zimmerlee on Twitter @Connorjz98

Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Longhorns? Click Here to Subscribe to the Longhorns Country Newsletter

Want even more Texas Longhorns? Check out the SI.com team page here

Follow Longhorns Country on Twitter and Facebook.

Make sure to subscribe to the Longhorns Country Podcast today! Click here To Listen.