Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/180210
f r o m e d i t o r b r i a n n e u b e r t under center ... under the microscope are in ThereFBS —two teamsducollege football — at least in with the bious distinction of being worse offensively to this point than Purdue. Yeah, so if it weren't for Florida International and Miami University, it would be the Boilermakers laying claim to that most unwelcome anti-feat. Through four games, Purdue still sits 16 yards short of a thousand total and enters its meeting this weekend with Northern Illinois averaging more than a hundred fewer yards per game (246) than the Huskies' quarterback, Jordan Lynch (355.2), alone. Meanwhile, We've used the word "toothless" more in the past month than the entire decade before that. This keeps up, we're going to need some synonyms. Purdue has scored 61 points through four games. Of those 61, seven came off a kick return. Another seven came off an 11-yard drive. Another three were set up by an interception at Wisconsin that was returned to the 10-yard line. The Boilermakers' big- gest scoring play and longest run of the season — Rob Henry's TD in Madison — was an accident, the product of a broken play mixed with a dash of luck. We could go on and on. It hasn't been pretty. And, when things are this grotesque, what do everyone's crosshairs come upon? Yes, the quarterback. Fans, some making valid, coherent points, others relying on good old flawed "different is better" logic, have turned on Rob Henry. First off, yes, Henry needs to play better for this offense to improve, and for this team to improve, that offense has to improve profoundly. No question there. I repeat: No question. But in the spirit of fairness, let's talk about quarterback play. What position in sports is more affected — for better and especially for worse — by the performances of those around them? I can't think of any. Let's assess the fifth-year senior in that context: He is playing behind an offensive line that is simply not getting it done, with no running game to fall back on, few experienced or physical receivers to throw to, his best option in the passing game having just undergone season-ending wrist surgery. Talk about not being in a position to succeed. Henry was inaccurate at Wisconsin, but under difficult circumstances. He was pressured often, and when he wasn't pressured, the possibility always existed he might be. Purdue's options are freshmen, neither of whom has stepped on the field as collegiate athletes yet. Two points: If you don't think things can get worse, yes, they can. If you think it's time to scrap the season and build for 2014 with a freshman QB, no, it's not. That is simply not reality. Reconsider your position in Week 11 maybe. Purdue has a lot of problems on offense right now, quarterback being only part of it. Now, I want to make this crystal clear one more time for emphasis: Rob Henry needs to play better for Purdue to improve. This is an important week. This is a user-friendly defense He needs to show everyone why, as he did a couple weeks ago. To do it each time out, or at Northern Illinois will be fielding and least most times out, he needs help. this is a game Purdue can win. I guess what I'm saying is, uh, Henry needs to play like he did just score more points, Purdue. j against Notre Dame, not like he did on the road at Cincinnati and Neubert can be contacted at Wisconsin. BNeubert@GoldandBlack.com. The coaching staff seems committed to the senior. Team pride you can'T hide. RewaRds you want most. Join thousands of purdue fans who reach for their official purdue Visa® credit card and get rewarded for things you pay for anyway. redeem points for 1% cash back, merchandise or a cash contribution to the John purdue club. Show your Boilermaker pride with every purchase. apply today.* 765.497.3328 // 800.627.3328 // purduefed.com *Subject to credit approval. No annual fee. Balance transfers and cash advances not eligible for rewards points. Federally insured by NCUA. GoldanDBlack express • volume 24, express 5 • 5