Max Brosmer vowing to be more efficient after disappointing debut

MINNEAPOLIS — The former FCS quarterback made his first start as a Golden Gopher last Thursday, but felt he disappointed the team in front of a sold out crowd at home.

After all, everyone sat through an hour-long weather delay to watch Minnesota suffer a two-point loss to North Carolina in dramatic fashion. Which is why Max Brosmer is taking some accountability for his underwhelming debut, and focusing on improving his mistakes through an intense week of practice.

Although Brosmer was an All-American at New Hampshire last season, the speed of the Tar Heels’ defense took him by surprise. He still completed 13 of his 21 passes for 166 yards, and rushed for a touchdown.

However, he displayed poor pocket presence at times, and North Carolina’s defense put Brosmer to the turf five times, including three sacks from edge rusher Jahvaree Ritzie. Not to mention Brosmer also lost a fumble. It was a humbling performance for the gunslinger, but he wants to build on the bright moments he had.

“It was definitely interesting, but it was fun getting different looks, and a mental battle every single play, which is a testament to their Defensive Coordinator Geoff Collins,” Brosman said. “They did a really good job of disguising coverage and playing their style of defense.”

Brosmer targeted wideout Daniel Jackson five times, which resulted in four completions. Now Jackson appears to be Brosmer’s top target. It’s no mystery that the offense needs to score more touchdowns, after settling for three field goal attempts. On top of that, the Golden Gophers only racked up 244 yards of total offense.

Once the smoke cleared, North Carolina finished with more yards, plays and first downs than Minnesota. Brosmer understands that’s not a recipe for success, and wants to execute more efficiently.

“From both sides I think I have to do a way better job putting of the ball where it needs to be for the guys, because they did a really good job of getting open,” he said. “I think as any new player in any new conference, but especially the Big Ten, there’s an adjustment period that gets created.”

Everything starts up front with the big boys though, and they need to protect Brosmer better. The Tar Heels had a disruptive defensive line, and there were also times that Brosmer held onto the ball for too long. The offensive line needs to provide the signal-caller with enough time to locate his receivers downfield. Setting up more screen passes to the running backs will help too.

The six-foot-two, 225-pounder never expected it to be an easy transition to Power Four football. Brosmer embraces the learning curve, and challenges that the Golden Gophers are going to encounter this season.

“There are moments of gradual ups and downs of any line that you continue to take, and I think it’s just a matter of pushing forward,” the Georgia native said. “Continue to battle through times of extreme adversity, but also keeping a level head through times of great success and joy, which is what this team represents.”

Minnesota (0-1) has lost five of its’ last six games overall, and has Rhode Island up next. As a matter of fact, the Golden Gophers were the only Big Ten team to lose in week one.

So it’s going to be Brosmer’s responsibility to rally the troops, considering great quarterbacks make others around them better. Brosmer takes pride in being a leader, and will put that to use in the locker room to keep everyone positive moving forward.

“Just as a unit we have to do better, and I can’t wait to see where it goes the rest of the season.”