Thursday, November 19, 2009

Mailbag question: Mouton and Obi along with the defense


Mailbag question: Mouton and Obi along with the defense

GBMW,

Thanks for the great blog.

I just looked at the defense against Wisconsin in super slow mo. #8 and #45 are awful. On one iso, the hole opened and Mouton looked right at the back coming into the hole and took TWO steps BACK.

But on several plays, because of the defensive set, players were in positions where it was impossible to make a play. For example: Roh was pinned inside, LB's lined up inside, Wisconsin pulled a play-side T and either the C or backside G and what is left is the corner facing two 300 lb linemen with no help. Wisconsin ran this type of play over and over with no apparent defensive adjustment.

PS. It was interesting watching the center pulling around the horn with success. Of course, it is a lot easier to pull and block when the def line on the side you are going to has caved in and disappeared. Boy, it was ugly. What do you think?

Don

-----------------------------------------

Thanks for the question and comments.

We thought the defense played solid the first quarter. Their play gave the offense two short fields and the defense was playing with some fire. For the rest of game it was, as you mentioned, flat out ugly.

Pulling linemen did not even encounter a defender until ten yards downfield, there were missed assignments, more blown coverages, and the defense was getting blown off the line of scrimmage. Scary to say this was the tip of the iceberg.

The linebacker play was flat out awful, but there assignments would be easier if the defensive line were stronger at the point of attack.

Again, the bottom line is that football is the ultimate team game, with all phases reliant on the others.

Still, we are old school and think it all starts up front. Until Michigan gets stronger at the line of scrimmage, improvement will be small. In addition, superior linebacker play is the heart and soul of a great defense. Until the front seven becomes competent, the defense will continue to be a weakness.

Thanks for stopping by Go Blue Michigan Wolverine
If you have any questions please E-Mail

Written by GBMW -- CoachBt and ErocWolverine


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