Friday, May 22, 2009

Mailbag question: How important is the middle linebacker in the new defensive schemes?


Hey Guys,

First off, I wanted to say you do a great job!

How important is the middle linebacker in the new defensive schemes? I have heard that they are supposed to be the "quarterback" of the defense.

To what extent is this true? If Obi Ezeh can show some improvements from last year will that mean, the whole defense will improve.

Muralee

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Thanks for the questions and comments.

In the new scheme, Michigan now uses two inside linebackers similar to 3-4 fronts instead of the one middle linebacker used last few years.

Michigan is also using a zone blitz component in the new package. In zone blitz schemes, it is imperative that the front seven and back four be on same page.

If either the safety or inside linebacker who makes the checks or calls mess up it … it leaves the defense extremely vulnerable.

In our opinion, linebacker play is the heart and soul of great defense play. If Michigan can get better linebacker play, be it from Ezeh, Mouton, or one of the young players it will have a positive effect on the overall defensive play.

Thanks for stopping by http://gobluemichiganwolverine.blogspot.com/
If you have any questions please e-mail erocwolverine@gmail.com

Written by CoachBt and ErocWolverine


3 comments:

Bill S. Preston said...

I heard that in the past, Coach Robinson has used a position nicknamed the "Superback" in his defenses- kind of a hybrid DE/CB.

Do you know if and when he plans to implement that in this defense, and who might be a candidate?

coachbt said...

We are familar with superback Coach Robinson has used in past. There was no talk of superback, nor was it used in practices or scrimmages we attended.

wOlverine_fanatic said...

As long as I can remember the MLB has been considered the QB of any defense that has a MLB.

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