Arkansas Razorbacks head coach Sam Pittman has expressed concern about the impact of poor pass protection on his quarterback Taylen Green, saying it has led to a “confidence problem” for the young player. Pittman’s comments have shed light on the challenges that Green has faced this season, particularly as the Razorbacks’ offensive line has struggled to provide consistent protection.
Taylen Green, a talented dual-threat quarterback, came into the season with high expectations. Known for his strong arm and mobility, Green was expected to be a key piece in the Razorbacks’ offensive scheme. However, as the season has progressed, it’s become evident that the issues with the offensive line are affecting Green’s ability to perform at his best.
In a press conference, Pittman spoke candidly about Green’s situation. “It’s hard for any quarterback to stay confident when you’re constantly under pressure,” Pittman said. “Right now, Taylen is dealing with a confidence problem, and a lot of that comes from not feeling protected in the pocket. When you don’t have time to make your reads and execute the plays, it’s tough to trust what you’re seeing on the field.”
The Razorbacks’ offensive line has been a point of concern for much of the season, allowing frequent pressure and sacks that have disrupted Green’s rhythm. With constant pressure coming from opposing defenses, Green has been forced to scramble and make decisions on the run, limiting his effectiveness as a passer and leading to mistakes. As a result, Green’s confidence in his ability to make plays has visibly diminished, something Pittman attributes largely to the lack of protection up front.
Pittman emphasized that the coaching staff is working diligently to address the issues on the offensive line, acknowledging that improving protection is crucial not only for Green’s performance but also for his development as a quarterback. “We’ve got to do a better job of protecting him, plain and simple,” Pittman stated. “If we can give him more time in the pocket, I believe we’ll see a different quarterback. Right now, he’s not able to play with the level of confidence he needs because he’s been under duress too much.”
Green’s struggles have also impacted the overall performance of the Razorbacks’ offense, which has had difficulty sustaining drives and capitalizing on scoring opportunities. While Green’s athleticism has allowed him to make plays with his legs, Pittman noted that the team needs to establish a more consistent passing game to be successful against tougher competition.
As Arkansas looks ahead to the remainder of the season, the focus will be on shoring up the offensive line and restoring Green’s confidence. Pittman is optimistic that once the protection issues are addressed, Green can bounce back and regain the form that made him a promising young quarterback.
“We believe in Taylen,” Pittman said. “He’s got all the tools to be a great quarterback, but we have to do our part as a team to help him succeed. Once we fix the protection, I have no doubt his confidence will come back, and we’ll see him playing at a high level again.”
For now, the Razorbacks are in a race against time to resolve these issues and get their offense back on track. As Green continues to navigate the challenges of playing behind a struggling offensive line, the hope is that with better protection, his confidence will return, and he can lead the team to a strong finish this season.