Coaches Corner: Football is the one true team game!
That is the quote Coach Rod used at the spring football clinic. CoachBt always tells his kids that football is the ultimate team game. From any viewpoint, or actual endeavor, football is all about team.
With the above assumption in mind, this discussion examines how certain still to be answered question marks might affect the overall achievement of the 2009 University of Michigan Football TEAM.
1) B. Graham has a shot at being one the best pass rushers in Michigan history. He is that talented. For Graham to wreak havoc, someone else, anyone else, has to step up and provide a meaningful threat. It can be another defensive linemen, a linebacker, like Mouton, otherwise even a blitzing safety or nickel-back. If opponents only have to account in game planning (protection schemes) for B. Graham, he, in our opinion, will be lucky to hit double digits in sacks this year. If this lack of a second high quality pass rusher materializes, Michigan, again in our opinion, will be in big trouble.
2) The offensive line must be a primary strength, if the 2009 team is going to reach the 8-4 mark many are predicting. Of all the line spots, the biggest question mark remains right tackle. NO line spot can be an obvious, consistent, liability. Huyge is likely the most improved lineman (compared to last year). Omameh is the most physically talented offensive linemen, but both lack substantial college game experience.
Michigan cannot again become a pure left-handed team, as such a deficiency would result in teams more easily defending the Michigan offense. Think back to 2007 when Michigan was incompetent running right. Even with the all-American monster Jake Long at left tackle, teams could stunt and overload the left side, greatly restricting the offense. This team needs to be balanced, not only in pass/run ratio but also running both right and left.
3) Offensive back help: B. Minor also has a shot at having a great senior year. His improvement physically under Coach Barwis’ tutoring has been nothing short of amazing. But as we all know, no running back will be worth a crap if the big boys upfront do not do their job.
4 Offense: This is probably going to be the quickest Michigan defense since 1997. It is also going to be one of the smallest in recent memory. This liability may be minimized if the offense can help the defense stay off the field. Michigan cannot have as many offensive three and outs as last season. Michigan cannot have all those annoying turnovers again. The offense has to protect this defense, if for no other reason than to keep it healthy. Tired, overworked players are much more likely to be injured!
5.) For B. Minor to have a special year, Michigan must demonstrate a vertical passing game/threat. This entails more than just talented split ends and slot receivers. The responsibility is on the offensive line to provide the protection needed. Responsibility also falls on T. Forcier to hit open receivers. B. Minor and other running backs must help in the need to protect a young quarterback. All these facets must come together for Michigan to back those D*MN safeties off the line of scrimmage.
6) Defensive Backs: If Michigan is going to generate a meaningful pass rush, defensive backs must close down the very large cushions given last year. No longer can the d-backs let opponents just play catch against air. No defensive linemen can be expected to get to the quarterback if the passer releases in less than two seconds. Defensive backs have to make quarterbacks hold onto the pass a bit longer.
7) Linebackers: Michigan’s safeties have not played well for several years. But better safety play is linked to linebacker performance. Michigan’s linebackers have not been very good at rerouting inside receivers, or filling, and have let running backs have tons of room to cutback and make safeties look silly. The back seven/eight (linebacker’s and defensive backs) must work as a coordinated, effective unit.
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Written by CoachBt and ErocWolverine
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