Coaches Corner: Sixteen Points -- Football is the one true team game! -- Part 2

Coaches Corner: Sixteen Points -- Football is the one true team game! -- Part 2

8) Defensive tackles/defensive linemen: Will Michigan’s defensive line get the penetration necessary to help the linebackers fill and stop all those annoying cutbacks? Also, will the defensive linemen get their hands up when penetrating to help close the passing lanes, so that defensive backs have a chance to stop the slants, hooks, and outs that have killed Michigan in the last few years!

9) Special teams: Will Michigan's return teams hold onto the ball and then get Michigan some positive yards and short fields? And will UM cover well and give the defense the great field position needed to make opponents drive the entire field? In our opinion, special teams play will be the number one factor for Michigan 's improvement this season. This team will find it very difficult to overcome consistent poor field position on both sides of the ball.

10) Defense: Will the defense stop the opposing offense on third down, allowing the offense to get the ball back in better field position? There are not many offenses that can be expected to consistently drive a “long” field. The offense needs to get some help.

11) Will this defense finally create some turnovers? As annoying as Michigan 's turnovers last year were, the defense’s inability to create turnovers was equally harmful. Turnovers are such momentum builders and game changers. The turnover margin must improve if Michigan is going to get to that 8-4 or better mark this season.

12) As already discussed, Michigan’s defense needs cornerbacks that can close down cushions. This will only happen if the safeties can cover the entire field and take away the deep passes, if the cornerbacks get beat. Cornerbacks are vulnerable to quarterback’s going over the top in press and jam coverage. It is quite an advantage if the safeties are skilled enough to provide a safety net when/if this happens.

13) Michigan’s 2008 offense was terrible at generating big plays. Much blame fell on the Michigan quarterbacks. They certainly did not help the cause. But neither did Michigan’s split ends (poor blocking). There were multiple times running backs and slot receivers had shots at breaking long gains, only to get tackled by a safety in pursuit.

14) Special teams, overall, were another huge negative last season. Besides mediocre to poor coverage and returns, Michigan missed way too many short field goals and extra points. Nothing drags down a team more than missed short field goals (see Toledo) or extra points after a long drive. Will the special teams correct this deficiency and give the TEAM a huge boost?

15) The staff is part of the team. They must use personnel in the best manner possible, which sounds easy but sometimes is not. Two of the most talented athletes on the current team are tight ends: K. Koger and M. Webb. If these fine athletes are used properly, they can help provide valuable space for the running game. It is absolutely imperative that the coaches find a way to include these two in the offense more.

16) Michigan 's split ends became very frustrated last season, making a bad passing game even worse. The inability of the quarterbacks to get them the ball took a huge toll. This downturn showed in every aspect of split end play. Will T. Forcier, or whoever is the quarterback this season, be effective in spreading the ball around and getting everyone involved? If so, look for a brand of football that will be much more exciting and productive. Even to the casual observer.

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Written by CoachBt and ErocWolverine