Dan Enos Impact Felt In Week 1 for Razorback Offense

The intrigue surrounding Dan Enos in Fayetteville has grown since first-word of his hiring. Hog-hopefuls on Twitter have swayed from  “why bring him back?” to “KJ’s going to be NFL ready” in the short period since Enos return was first announced.

Dan Enos earned his “QB developer” reputation following his time with Jalen Hurts and Tua Tagovailoa at Alabama. The thought of Enos shaping KJ Jefferson has Hog-hopefuls optimistic about the season and foreseeable future. Saturday’s game displayed improved mechanics for Jefferson, along with making a lot of the “right” reads against WCU.

Week 1 Victory Against WCU 

With Week 1 behind us, it looks like the hype could be real. The Enos + KJ Jefferson collaboration earned KJ his best passer rating since 2021 – finishing with a 211.2 rating. For comparison’s sake, Jefferson’s best passer rating in 2022 was 190.8 against BYU.

While WCU may not be the best judgement for the Enos-impact, a few things stood out: KJ is not going to run as much this season, we’re going to spread the ball around the field, and Dan Enos can call some plays.

The first Arkansas touchdown came on the second play from scrimmage, and was my favorite play of the day. KJ and Jaedon Wilson connected on a perfectly run WR screen, with an Isaac TeSlaa block clearing the way for a 65-yard TD.

Wilson ran so fast to the endzone there was no sound pic.twitter.com/Ml3ThwGXpf

— Arkansas Razorback Football (@RazorbackFB) September 2, 2023

If you remember, Kendal Briles loved running WR screens during his time in Fayetteville. To be honest, they often looked sloppy at best. The difference? Saturday’s play development, timing, and the blocking from Isaac TeSlaa were exactly what a screen-pass is meant to look like.

KJ Jefferson’s Production

KJ would finish the game with four total TDs, on 18 of 23 passes for 246 yards. He also capitalized on a 17 yard run, scoring his lone rushing TD in the second quarter. While Jeffersons running ability will be a viable threat to defenses all season, it looks like he will be thinking pass-first in 2023. 

Arkansas’ offensive line left much to be desired, not only for fans but for Rocket Sanders and the backfield. That said, KJ capitalized, he spread the ball, and made all of the right choices. There was only one play that KJ underthrew a crossing Armstrong that could have resulted in another TD pass but the point is moot.

The offense did their job – they looked in-sync, they looked crisp, and they put points on the board. If the protection from the O-line improves, and it will, the offense will be well-balanced with varying situational attacks. Certainly, a lot less draw plays on 3rd and long, and less WR reverses in the red-zone.

You never want to bet the farm after Week 1 but the future looks bright.