Coaches Corner: Defense
1) Michigan needs good Old fashioned, nasty, wide-eyed, hair-stand up on the back your neck, head knockers. Players who will rearrange opponents brain cells and have them playing game with their head on a swivel. This Michigan team is just too DAMN nice and easy to play against, on offense and defense.
2) Linebackers:
I know this is gong to cause some discussion, because most will say safeties. However, I am old-fashioned defensive guy who thinks linebackers play is heart and soul of any great defense.
Michigan has a middle linebacker who is best suited for defensive end. Ezeh just does not take on lead blockers or fill well enough to be stud middle linebacker Michigan needs. An outside linebacker John Thompson, who is best, suited to play game in about 1985. Only one linebacker, Mouton who has skills to play football in 2000’s.
Our secondary gets no help underneath and in today’s game that will kill you. Good news is Michigan brought in a few last years class, and a couple of potential linebackers with skills to play in today’s game.
Example, in game Saturday, Sheridan missed Odom’s on potential tying touchdown pass. Entire crowd was upset at Sheridan, in reality it was great job by Northwestern linebacker who rerouted Odom’s and through timing off. Michigan is not getting this, and makes defensive backs jobs very difficult.
3) Safeties:
You can never have a truly great defense without strength up the middle. You must have safeties who can cover and tackle in space.
Our safeties have been out of position excessively often, and missed too many tackles to count. Playing aggressive defense is almost impossible if you cannot rely on your safeties to prevent big plays.
However, our safeties have also been hurt at times by Michigan lacking at other areas. Is Smith the answer, time will tell, definitely brings physical presence we need, but can he cover and stay in deep coverage, that is my #1 question with him.
M. Williams is better fit at nickel than safety at this time, but that could change.
Turner has skill to play here, but is he cornerback or safety. We really could use him to clone self.
4) Defensive Tackles:
Johnson sure looked good at times yesterday, and Taylor made some plays, but how much penetration have we gotten, and how many sacks from inside.
Again, you have to be strong up the middle. Michigan has to find a defensive tackle that can push the pocket and not allow quarterbacks to step up.
Martin has potential, and so does Big Will, just not sure either both are not best suited to play at nose tackle. Michigan has to find a quick hard charging 3-tech defensive tackle who can collapse the pocket from the inside.
5) Defensive Ends:
Michigan needs to find a pure edge, speed rusher who can put that hand down, outside foot back, and get up-field in a big ASS hurry.
Michigan does not have one, and do not see any on horizon. This is where Ezeh belongs.
6) Cornerbacks:
Yes, we need to upgrade entire defense. Our cornerbacks are just terrible at getting off blocks and shedding. Again, you will put yourself in huge bind if you play aggressive with cornerbacks who cannot get off blocks.
This would also help at one of Michigan fundamental issues, maintain proper contain. Boo Boo shows signs of being a player, but it takes two at a time and usually more. Floyd? Not sure, he was used mostly at safety last year, and how he does on corner is still a question. Is Turner going to play at safety or corner?
written by CoachBt and ErocWolverine