This is the third in a weekly series ranking the top starters or position groups in the ACC.
Pitt's passing game was stagnant -- some might describe it as non-existent -- during the final season of Shawn Watson's stay as offensive coordinator.
To invigorate things in 2019, head coach Pat Narduzzi brought in former Steelers quarterbacks coach and UMass head coach Mark Whipple. The offense took on an entirely different personality.
Pitt attempted 39.7 passes per game, which ranked seventh in the nation and was up 17.2 attempts from 2018. Quarterback Kenny Pickett's 24.1 completions per game led the ACC.
That's the good news.
The bad news? Well, Pitt scored 275 points last season, down significantly from 359 in 2018. So while Pitt threw more often, it failed to take pressure off the defense.
The Panthers' pass catchers were a big reason why.
Pitt attempted 513 passes last season, and, according to Pro Football Focus, its receivers had more than 40 drops. Repeat: More than 40 drops.
I love making graphs like this where @UVAFootball stands out like this!!
?Targets
?Drops
?Hands
Best WR Group in the Country!#GoHoos https://t.co/MX4we4Ye5N pic.twitter.com/kvQyQ7SkbP
— Matthew Edwards (@TheCoachEdwards) March 5, 2020
PITT TAKES THE LEAD IN THE QUICK LANE BOWL!!
WHAT A CATCH BY TAYSIR MACK!! pic.twitter.com/QuJ3yKe6aZ
— Abdul Memon (@abdulamemon) December 27, 2019
Beautiful Sluggo Sight Adjustment from Wake Forest WR Sage Surratt
⚡️ Three Step Slant & Go
? If the Corner Bails - Sit It Down! pic.twitter.com/kAkg0p5M2u
— Coach Dan Casey (@CoachDanCasey) April 13, 2020
I can’t say enough about Dyami Brown. Hard to believe he doesn’t have more 2021 #NFLDraft hype by now.
- Deep Speed ?
- Routes/Stacking ?
- Wins at Catch Point ?
- 56th% Adjusted Production Index among NFL prospects through just two seasons ? pic.twitter.com/0uFBJ1h6uR
— Travis May (@FF_TravisM) June 17, 2020