MESSAGE BOARDS

A subscription is not required to post on the message boards and to read some free content, but users must still register for a free username and password.

BNN Message BoardsBronco Nation News: Boise State Football TalkHas Hank Peaked?

Please or Register to create posts and topics.

Has Hank Peaked?

#1 · December 2, 2021, 8:01 am

Thoughts?

I know we all had the loftiest of expectations when it came to Hank, especially after his dazzling debut against Florida State. But we're now 25 games into the "Hank Era" and I'm wondering if we're going to see more improvement, or if he's simply peaked.

I was looking at his stat line for this season, to see how it matched up with previous Bronco QBs (excluding out he who will not be named), and the best comp I could find was Rypien...during his freshman year.

Hank: 63% completion, 3079 yards, 20 tds, 8 int, 139.8 rating
Rypien: 64% completion, 3353 yards, 20 tds, 8 int, 140.6 rating

I feel like if you gave me the choice between the two of them, I'm taking Rypien every day (and twice on Saturday).

What do you guys think? Will he get better? With Shakir leaving, there's no way our WR corps is better in 2022 than it was this year. Will a healthy Holani take some of the pressure off and allow him to flourish? Will an improved o-line make the difference?

#2 · December 2, 2021, 8:42 am

Not trying to be a Debbie Downer, but yeah, he probably has peaked. Shakir made Hank look really good with the acrobatic one-handed catches. Man we are gonna miss Shakir. If we had an really good QB coach, someone named Moore from Dallas (sigh, can only dream... 🙂 ) then I would think Hank has more upside. The problem is Hank doesn't really fit the RPO style offense Plough is attempting to install. Hank would benefit from a PRO style offensive OC. A stronger O-line would help too! Greene would be a better fit for RPO, maybe the Mardsen kid? We have good prospects for WR, they are getting bigger, stronger, and faster. We just need the right OC for what we have on the team to benefit Hank. Next year will be a defining year as to what we are like without Shakir, and the second year of this RPO offensive plan. Fingers crossed. Go Broncos!

Wade Ray, tim5544 and Zachary Ball have reacted to this post.

#3 · December 2, 2021, 9:14 am

I feel like he has, but I do think thats based on a limitation to the staff. I've been concerned for years with the lack of development in the QB position on the team. Even with Rypien, I felt like I watched him go backwards from where he was when he first started. I have a similar feeling with Hank. However, with Hank, its less of regression, and more of stagnation. He still makes a lot of the same boneheaded decisions. Tries to force balls, and holds on the the ball too long. Obviously a huge issue is the offensive line, but that doesn't answer all the question marks. I feel despite his lack of protection these past 3 years, I still don't see the development I would expect to see. The kid shows flashes of brilliant play, but just hasn't taken the next step. I would argue that Hank has in fact peaked, but only while he is playing for Boise State. Thats something that I never would have said pre Harsin era.

Zachary Ball has reacted to this post.

#4 · December 2, 2021, 9:31 am

Unfortunately I think he has. Hank has good, not great arm strength. Below average speed. Average accuracy. He's an outstanding leader and is tough as nails.

I love Hank and think he could be a very good coach someday, but ill be hoping to see an open competition at QB this off season.

Taylen Green's upside, if he figures out his throwing motion, is off the charts.

BLEED BLUE!

NickChristian and Zachary Ball have reacted to this post.

#5 · December 2, 2021, 9:34 am

I don’t think so. This year Hank had his highest completion percentage, most passing yards, and most TDs… all while playing through an injury and behind an under performing Oline without the threat of a run game for most of the season. But since he is the QB he takes the brunt of the blame no matter how unfair it is.

JBomb, Haywray55 and 6 other users have reacted to this post.

#6 · December 2, 2021, 9:49 am

Peaked? I think not. Oline, Oline, Oline. With the performance of this Oline, nobody could get the ball out fast enough. I really don't think Hank has been given a fair chance at achieving his potential. And I'm not trying to tear those guys down, their job is tough; but they just aren't getting it done. Hopefully Avalos & Co. can get the oline situated and Hank can truly show what he has to offer. He's already shown that he has all of the leadership skills and toughness. He has the "blue collar" workman like approach and I'm certain he's going to do everything he can in the offseason to improve. But several of you are correct, even if the line improves dramatically, the amount of proven talent in the WR corps diminishes greatly. All I can say....It'll be fun to watch!

BMEHL33, JBomb and 6 other users have reacted to this post.

#7 · December 2, 2021, 10:28 am

I respectfully disagree that Hank Bachmeier has peaked. He's having easily his best season of the three and has shown major signs of improvement. He's also been tasked with operating a very difficult offense with more responsibility than he has in the past. Sure losing Shakir will hurt, but I see no reason to think he won't continue to improve next year.

Will he be in the Heisman race? Probably not. But I'm not sure what you saw this year compared to last year to say he can't get any better.

Chasen, Mark Moss and 7 other users have reacted to this post.

#8 · December 2, 2021, 10:42 am

Quote from B.J. Rains on December 2, 2021, 10:28 am

I respectfully disagree that Hank Bachmeier has peaked. He's having easily his best season of the three and has shown major signs of improvement. He's also been tasked with operating a very difficult offense with more responsibility than he has in the past. Sure losing Shakir will hurt, but I see no reason to think he won't continue to improve next year.

Will he be in the Heisman race? Probably not. But I'm not sure what you saw this year compared to last year to say he can't get any better.

This guy...☝️🙄

JK, B.J. 😀 I actually agree with you. I think we saw a lot of promising signs from Hank, especially in an offense that doesn't seem to suit him to a T. He still had his occasional brain-fart, but I think you could tell he was learning from mistakes, to the point where I think he even looked a little too cautious at times. Fingers crossed for healthy skill players and more consistent (and healthy) o-line play next year.

Wade Ray and ColterRey have reacted to this post.

#9 · December 2, 2021, 10:42 am

This will also be his first offseason with the same OC. Finally a bit of consistency…

Wade Ray, ColterRey and Zachary Ball have reacted to this post.

#10 · December 2, 2021, 11:00 am

Quote from Zachary Ball on December 2, 2021, 8:01 am

Thoughts?

I know we all had the loftiest of expectations when it came to Hank, especially after his dazzling debut against Florida State. But we're now 25 games into the "Hank Era" and I'm wondering if we're going to see more improvement, or if he's simply peaked.

I was looking at his stat line for this season, to see how it matched up with previous Bronco QBs (excluding out he who will not be named), and the best comp I could find was Rypien...during his freshman year.

Hank: 63% completion, 3079 yards, 20 tds, 8 int, 139.8 rating
Rypien: 64% completion, 3353 yards, 20 tds, 8 int, 140.6 rating

I feel like if you gave me the choice between the two of them, I'm taking Rypien every day (and twice on Saturday).

What do you guys think? Will he get better? With Shakir leaving, there's no way our WR corps is better in 2022 than it was this year. Will a healthy Holani take some of the pressure off and allow him to flourish? Will an improved o-line make the difference?

I still take Brett everyday of the week (Twice on Saturdays), but although I believe Hank has peaked physically, his decision making can improve obviously. He is a fine QB, with whom we can win with, but it is amazing to me that we can't develop / recruit a QB that gets drafted.

I am really excited to see what Taylen Green can do. I hope that he gets a few series in the bowl game to get some game reps and hopefully have some confidence moving into spring ball. He will almost certainly be our backup next year, so it is imperative that he sees some more game action before September 2022.

Zachary Ball has reacted to this post.