Jim Harbaugh is thinking outside-the-box with his quarterbacks this season.
While Shea Patterson is the clear starter, Harbaugh has said that Dylan McCaffrey will see plenty of action, too.
Not just in Saturday's season-opener versus Middle Tennessee. Not just in lopsided contests. And not necessarily in small doses.
If all goes according to plan, it sounds like McCaffrey will play in every game.
"I really like Shea, of course. Love his competitiveness, love his athletic ability. Really throwing the ball extremely well. He's taking big steps in decision making and timing and accuracy. But I would say the same thing about Dylan McCaffrey. He's a heck of a good quarterback and we're going to play him quite a bit this season. The goal is to be in every game as well," Harbaugh told the Jamie and Stoney Show on 97.1 The Ticket.
In a new up-tempo offense centered around the RPO, both Patterson and McCaffrey have the talents to thrive. That's one of the reasons Harbaugh made the switch in the first place, going back to the hire of Josh Gattis, and it's why he likes a dual-look under center.
The offense can be most dangerous by combining McCaffrey's speed with Patterson's all-around game -- all while operating at a rapid pace.
"So many quarterbacks are coming out of this system in high school now," said Harbaugh. "It's what they know, it's what they're used to. But especially the ability that Dylan has when he runs, to create a little bit more space, create opportunities for him to go in any direction, is a real weapon."
McCaffrey, a redshirt sophomore, flashed his wheels in five games last season when he rushed 10 times for 99 yards, including a 44-yard touchdown gallop against Wisconsin. He also notched two touchdowns through the air.
Patterson had a few long runs himself, while also throwing 22 touchdowns versus seven picks. He's poised for an even better senior season.
"Shea is also really good at making quick decisions and getting the ball out of his hand fast, so the RPO world is a really good one for him," said Harbaugh. "He can make that quick decision of whether to hand off or to throw. It becomes a play-action pass or a run after the snap. He's terrific at that. He's got such a tight circle when he throws and gets rid of the ball so very cleanly."
Lest anyone forget, Harbaugh is quite fond of third-stringer Joe Milton as well.
"We have a lot of respect for them," Harbaugh said. "They've done a really good job with that program, one of the nine bowl teams that we play this year. Coach Stockstill has done a great job there. Scott Shafer, the defensive coordinator, who I know well, coached with him at Stanford, very aggressive play caller. Changes the fronts, odd and even, and likes pressure. Likes to load a side. That's his nature."
