WATCH: Jim Harbaugh says Shea Patterson/Dylan McCaffrey tandem could redefine what a starting QB is

At Big Ten Media Days, Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh was asked about quarterback Dylan McCaffrey and if he wants McCaffrey to get more playing time “when it matters”.

Harbaugh said “where it stands now”, Michigan could play McCaffrey and Shea Patterson in every game.

“Where it stands right now, that could change later or not, I see ‘em both playing. Where it stands right now I see it maybe redefining what a starter is.”

Watch the video below for full context

In 2018, Patterson had a 64.6% completion percentage, passed for 2,600 yards with 22 TD’s and 7 INT’s along with 273 yards rushing and 2 scores. McCaffrey was 8-of-15 for 126 yards and 2 TD’s and rushed for 99 yards and a score before he suffered a broken collarbone that ended his season.

Harbaugh also discussed how well the RPO system fits the skill-set of the QB unit, McCaffrey and Patterson included, so it sounds like Harbaugh wants to let both of his top horses run free and see how they do.

Only Harbaugh knows how many snaps McCaffrey will receive on a given week compared to Patterson and vice-versa, but this is a notable quote from Harbaugh that could define MIchigan’s 2019 season.

Is this a quarterback competition? Surely. There’s only one ball on the field and both McCaffrey and Patterson would like to be the signal caller as many plays as possible. This should serve as motivation throughout August for both Patterson and McCaffrey to lead the team and perform at a much higher level than the other. Iron sharpeneth iron.