Michigan Football: 2013/2014 — Offense — Part II

Posted at 4:00pm — 1/7/2014

Michigan Football: 2013/2014 — Offense — Part II

Tight Ends:

This might be the most disappointing positions.

Dec 28, 2013; Tempe, AZ, USA; Michigan Wolverines tight end Devin Funchess (87) runs the ball in the first quarter against the Kansas State Wildcats during the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl at Sun Devil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY SportsThe blocking was not good and a major reason UMs running game was below average. Fact that Funchess could not handle stretch blocking made him basically a slot. Butt proved to be a good receiver, but not much of blocker. Williams had just as many problems blocking as the others.

If Funchess or and Butt can make the gains necessary to make the TE a position that sets up play action UM will be a better offense. Funchess playing a standard TE position will give defenses fits, but only if his blocking improves.

Wide Receivers:

Losing Darboh was a huge hit. He was very impressive this spring.

Oct 12, 2013; University Park, PA, USA; Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Jehu Chesson (86) during the third quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Michigan 43-40 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OThought of Chesson and Darbah giving UM a pair of tall, athletic, pass catchers would be a great boost. This would also give Norfleet and Hayes space to work underneath. Gallon and Dileo gave us everything they had, but both were so limited it hurt the offense. Gallon is natural slot forced to play flanker. This is place were one of the talented rookies can also help.

If UM can develop a solid passing game and stretch defense the running game will be better.

Offensive Line:

I am a contrarian here. I want to salute our senior OT’s. What ever you think of them as players they proved to me they are true Michigan Men.

I re-watched the Bowl game and these two gave 100%. And still think team would of been better with Schofield at LG, but I regress.

Dec 28, 2013; Tempe, AZ, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback Shane Morris (7) scrambles in the first half against the Kansas State Wildcats during the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl at Sun Devil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY SportsThat said I am of the opinion the line will improve more without them. UM has recruited linemen who are best suited to be power, not zone guys. Simplifying the offense will give these youngsters a chance to do what they do best, start trying to move the line of scrimmage.

Every one of the young guns needs to have great off season. They need to get bigger, stronger, and develop their bodies. Go back and look at the difference between our senior OT’s now an how they looked as sophomores. Guessing Mags ends up back to OT.

Key question is who plays OC. I would not be surprised in Line struggles early, but do expect us to see the improvement he have complained has not shown.

Defense later.

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Written by GBMWolverine Staff — CoachBT

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