As we all know by now, more likely than not, the defense is going to have some struggles this season. The more I hear that, I get the feelings of déjà vu.
Last year, I remember hearing the same things about the offense. Are
we going to have to 'lean on' the offense this year in the same way we were forced to 'lean on' the defense last year?
If so, what is the possibility that now our offense will be able keep us in games (and then collapse by the second half of the season)? Furthermore, do you
see the defense as being as behind the offense as was the case with
the offense vs. the defense last year?
I cannot highlight all of the parallels I am seeing here. I would like to
hear your thoughts on this.
Thanks,
Paul
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Thanks for the question.
The problem with leaning too much on the offense is expecting a true freshmen quarterback to win games. That is called "flirting with disaster." Putting all that pressure on a freshman to "be the man" is a lot to ask for at this level.
Also consider that our split ends are not a position of strength yet.
In our opinion, the best-case scenario is for Michigan to have an outstanding running game mixed in with play action and boots. Our running game is talented and deep; it should be a position of strength for the offense -- they should be able to use several backs to mix it up as well.
By using the clock to your advantage with a strong running game, you can negate, or at least hide, a weaker defense by keeping it off the field. Controlling the ball and the clock will not only help the defense, but with a strong running game that opposing defenses have to defend by bringing more players closer to the line of scrimmage, the passing game will open up and it won't even have to be that complicated. That is a great way to take pressure off Tate and use the passing game as an extra weapon. Forcier can then be a true dual threat with his legs and arm.
This accomplishes two things:
1) It will help keep our defense off the field.
2) It puts Forcier in the best position to succeed: Out of the pocket where he will see better and he can caese stress for an opposing defense worried about outside containment, the running game, and hopefully, downfield passing.
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Written by CoachBt and ErocWolverine
i agree with you guys...this is the best case scenario for the Michigan team this year.
ReplyDeleteWhen everyone refers to the offensive system do they really just mean the QB? I hear so much about the "system" of the spread and it always seems to really be about the QB. If it is a true system shouldn't the QB be a part, albeit a major one, of the system. What about the line the, the running game, the receiving core. Yes UofM needs some one that can scramble and pass accurately, but the receivers need to be there, the line needs to buy the QB time to scramble, and the running game needs to present a definite concern for the D. Am I off on this?
ReplyDeletehttp://thedoubleuspot.blogspot.com/
Mr. W.....you are right about the "system" being about all parts of the offense, but you need a QB that can run that "system." That is what Michigan lacked last year. And without someone that can run your system it makes it easier for defenses to key in on certain players.
ReplyDeleteAs far as this year goes, I think you will see a HUGE improvement offensively. I don't say this necessarily because of Forcier, but to some degree he will be the reason why. The entire 2-deep is back for the OL (including the redshirts). They also have all their receivers back along with some that redshirted last year. Then look at the backfield, probably the strongest and deepest in the B10. Now throw in Forcier. Everyone else around Forcier will make him a better player. He adds an extra dimension that lacked last year. This year teams will not be able to key in on the RB. They will also have to respect Forcier and they he can run and/or throw the ball. Last year teams were not feared by the QB running or even throwing. This year they will have to. Forcier doesn't have to be great, he just needs to be decent to good....which should help take some of the pressure off him. He doesn't have to carry the team, he just needs to help them along