“Shedeur Was Constantly Under Duress”: Pressure Mounted on Coach Prime Before Colorado’s Spring Game

As the season winds down, the Colorado Buffaloes are gearing up for their highly anticipated Spring Game on April 27. With a fresh outlook and a successful recruiting class for the 2024 season, ‘Coach Primе’ Dеion Sandеrs is poised to lead his college football team to victory. Transitioning from the Pac-12 to the Big 12, the Buffaloes are experiencing a new identity on the gridiron.

Yеt, looming over the event is the spеctеr of last season’s 4–8 sеtback, particularly concerning their offensive line. Dеspitе boasting 16 new players, the memory of QB Shеdеur Sandеrs being sackеd as the highest in FBS still haunts the team. While they prepare for the upcoming games, the pressure mounts on Deion Sanders & Co. as analysts wonder if history will repeat itself or if the Buffalo Bills will emerge stronger on the field this time.

ESPN’s Greg McElroy raised an important question about the Buffalo offense: “The big question for Colorado is: we know they have playmakers, established ones at wide receiver, in the secondary defensively. But have they improved enough on the line of scrimmage to transition from a flash in the pan to a legitimate player in the new-look Big 12? That’s a big question.”

Last season, the offense struggled under Shurmur’s leadership, appearing overly one-dimensional. In the four weeks following Shurmur’s appointment as full-time offensive coordinator, the Buffaloes averaged just 273 yards per game against formidable Pac-12 defenses. “Shedeur Sanders was constantly under duress and sacked an FBS high 52 times. An entirely new starting offensive line is projected, but how quickly can they get things together? Spring practice will be massive to figure out who the best five are,” pondered McElroy.

However, while skepticism rises, the Buffalo offensive line stays steadfast in their preparation, as OC Shurmur recently set clear expectations for his offensive players.

Shurmur’s strategic vision

Recognizing the critical need for improvement in pass protection and the running game, Shurmur is determined to address the issues that plagued the Buffaloes’ offense last season. Fans were left frustrated by the frequency of Sanders’ sacks, prompting Shurmur to offer candid advice to Jordan Seaton and the offensive line recruits. “It obviously starts with running the ball and protecting the QB. We know how dynamic Shedeur can be,” Shurmur emphasized. With highly touted recruit Jordan Seaton leading the charge, Shurmur aims to cultivate a cohesive and resilient front unit.

Read More: Pat Shurmur Sends Expectations Straight From Jordan Seaton & Co. After Shedeur Sanders Battering in 2023

Seaton expressed his commitment to the team’s success and stated, “Whoever’s behind me at quarterback, I’m going to block my bu** off. The bond Shedeur and I have makes you want to go harder.” As the cornerstone of Colorado’s offense, Seaton embraces the challenge of safeguarding Sanders and helping the Buffaloes achieve their goals.

Shurmur’s extensive 30 years of NFL experience are expected to bolster the Buffaloes’ developing offense. His previous tenure with the Denver Broncos underscores his prowess as an OC and instills confidence in fans and players alike. With Shurmur’s clear expectations and the injection of spirit into the Buffaloes’ offensive line, anticipation is high for a stronger offensive performance this season.

Read More: Jordan Seaton Pledges to Work His “B*tt Off” to Protect Shedeur Sanders After Pat Shurmur Sets Clear Expectations