Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard has turned the corner since Week 2

Oct 26, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Riley Leonard (13) looks back during the first half against the Navy Midshipmen at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

It wasn’t the best start of a Notre Dame football career for transfer quarterback Riley Leonard.

Not only was he starting off with a new team this fall, he along with the rest of the offense was learning how to operate within offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock’s playbook. While he completed over 60% of his attempts during the first two weeks, he didn’t throw for a touchdown and had two interceptions. Each of those games also didn’t see him pass the 175-yard passing mark.

Fortunately for the Irish, it didn’t take long for Leonard to get acclimated, as Pro Football Focus has pointed out that the senior has been one of the highest graded quarterbacks since Week 3. Over that time, he’s completed 68.3% of his passes for 1,039-yards with a touchdown to interception ratio of 8-to-1.

It’s not just about throwing the ball with Leonard, as in that same time frame he’s rushed for 460-yards with 10 touchdowns. Those are extremely impressive numbers, which has seen Notre Dame win every one of those games.

Oct 26, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Riley Leonard (13) throws the ball during the first half against the Navy Midshipmen at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

As long a Leonard continues this progression, which I noted after the Navy victory, the Irish offense has become much more difficult to stop.

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Author : Fighting Irish Wire

Publish date : 2024-10-30 13:41:54

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