be afraid to take shots down field. Sounds like guys watching 15 minutes of practice and saying stupid things based off that 15 minutes.
ND has both the QB's and WR talent this year to stretch the field, the running game to force D's to play up and the OL to give whomever starts the time to see the field. Finding guys wide open down field should not be a problem and it'll be the right play to make.
Doubt anyone is actually afraid to take those shots for any reason. Just "journalists" "reporting" on what ND is showing them, which is (as always) nothing.