Mailbag Question:

Hello:

I would like to get a better handle on the adjustment period the defense is going through. Can you elaborate on the differences between Michigan's "bend but don't break" defense of the past and Shaffer's schemes? Specifically, the different type of players one needs over the other and the new demands or skills required by players in Shaffer's defense. And finally, where you guys see the defense currently being on the learning curve.

Thanks,

-- Q

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Thanks for the question. Michigan’s new style of defense is going to take athletes who can run and cover in the back seven, and defensive linemen who can penetrate and get up field.

Old Michigan front four was more about holding gaps and tying up offensive linemen.

Michigan’s old linebackers were about stopping the run; new Michigan linebackers need to be strong at the line of scrimmage, but also need to be strong in coverage. They also need to be able to play and tackle in space.

Cornerbacks will need to be able to get in wide receivers faces and still keep deep leverage.

Safeties need to be able to tackle in space and play deep half. Old Michigan safeties were as much about tackling as coverage.

So many people are saying we need to be patient for Coach Rod's offense, but want to defensive coaches fired? Does not make much sense here because without the one the other is not any better. Look at the PSU first half where the offense was moving the ball, controlling the time of possession and also not making fundamental mistakes the defense looked very good.

written by CoachBt and ErocWolverine