The "benefit" of Carlos Brown's injury
It's floating around on the Internets that Carlos Brown sat out Wednesday's practice with dodgy knees. That may mean we don't see much of Brown this weekend against Iowa.
I, for one, think this may solve a nice problem to have: who should be getting carries this weekend. Another "e-floater" is that Minor is finally healthy and had a full week's practice. If so, good. He is the power option that Michigan needs, and using Minor as the spotlight back should bring some positive results. He breaks tackles much better than does Brown (although he does invite them) and should be the first inside option at RB.
As for the speed options, though, Michael Shaw and Vincent Smith haven't gotten the carries needed to impress. Shaw, especially, has the speed on the edge that could turn the game Saturday, and his cutting ability could be crucial. Further, it'll be cold, the air a little bit crisper and tougher in the lungs, and bringing in Shaw on edge plays would tire out that Iowa defense just a little bit more.
In sum, as we've learned these past few weeks, if the RBs are not practicing they end up hurting the rushing attack. If Brown is hurt, this should be an opportunity for Minor, Shaw and Smith to impress as a group.
October 8th, 2009 at 8:59 AM ^
Good post but I don't see how it is benificial to have your leading rusher out no matter what the circumstances may be but that's just me!
[Edit] But if he is out I hope you are correct. Would love to see some Minor Rage on the Hawkeyes!!!
October 8th, 2009 at 9:00 AM ^
What I am saying though, that if he's hurt and hasn't practiced, he should sit. We have seen instances the past couple of weeks where Minor's inability to practice has hurt the team. If Brown is sitting, bring in Shaw and Smith.
Also, I just read:
http://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2009/10/8/1075978/its-not-plagiarism…
Iowa LB Pat Angerer has torn ligaments in his right thumb. That will make arm tackling on the sweep near impossible for him. Get Shaw and Smith out on the edge to try and exploit it.
October 8th, 2009 at 8:57 AM ^
I would like to see a rotatation that gives different tempos, possibly disrupting the timing of opposing defenses. Bo used to do this a lot and it helped make up for the fact that everyone knew what play was coming next.
Certain styles match up better against certain defenses. I'd like to see more backs get carries in the beginning. Then, the back with the "hot hand" could get more carries as the game progresses, but other backs could still get a few as a change-of-pace.
October 8th, 2009 at 9:03 AM ^
I remember back in 2007 when Hart was hurt and Brown and Minor were filling in for him, they were best when they KNEW they were going to be the only backs. Against Illinois, they were awesome, because they knew, no matter what, they were going to be THE ONES to get the carries. I think the same thing happens here with Minor. He knows he's the one to get the carries this week, I expect big things as a result. I expect a performance like his first half against PSU last year for 4 quarters this week - if that happens, I LOVE our chances.
October 8th, 2009 at 2:08 PM ^
The offensive line has to do it's job against a formidable Iowa DL in order for that to happen. It's not something Minor can just will to happen. We may have to pass, to set up the run.
October 8th, 2009 at 9:06 AM ^
You are correct. I see what you are saying. I was under the impression that the op stated it as a benifit if he did not play. My apologies good sir!
October 8th, 2009 at 9:10 AM ^
Michigan's got to change the line of scrimmage against Iowa's D-line so they can get to the second level with there blocks. This is where they miss Molk...(along with snaps, blitz pick-ups, ect.) All of the running backs that you've mention are very capable but Shaw's ability to make people miss might be what they need against Iowa defense. I think Michigan struggles to get to the second level with there blocks so I expect Iowa to have LB and DB's coming up to fill the run lanes. If they do give it to Minor early and often (I expect this)I'd like to see them use the inside zones more..(Keeping Minor's shoulder's square to the line of scrimmage will allow him to have some speed when he hits the hole.)
October 8th, 2009 at 9:23 AM ^
I couldn't agree more... +1 for you sir.
October 8th, 2009 at 12:09 PM ^
It's hard to critique the run game too much, other than this last week at MSU, but I've been disappointed that we haven't seen more of Shaw. Getting him 5-7 carries a game seems ideal. Maybe we'll see some more of him this week with Carlos possibly being nicked up...
October 8th, 2009 at 9:20 AM ^
I'd definitely like to see Shaw and/or Smith more, but I worry they won't be able to block anything close to what we've seen from Brown.
October 8th, 2009 at 9:33 AM ^
I seem to recall Vincent Smith being a pretty ferocious blocker.
October 8th, 2009 at 9:24 AM ^
Well, since its out already: Carlos Brown got rocked on Tuesday in a full contact drill. It was helmet to helmet contact and apparently both players are to blame. Carlos has a concussion and will most likely not be able to play this weekend.
October 8th, 2009 at 9:25 AM ^
Link or straight from the source? Either way, thx for the info.
October 8th, 2009 at 10:35 AM ^
No link, its straight from a source. I sent Brian and email about it Tuesday night or Wednesday morning and was going to let him break the news, but since its out already I figured I'd comment on it.
October 8th, 2009 at 11:59 AM ^
anywy you can tell us who was the culprit that concussed him? we need those kinda of hits on saturday....
October 8th, 2009 at 9:36 AM ^
If this is true and I have reason to doubt you, I wouldn't expect to see Carlos before the Penn State game.
October 8th, 2009 at 10:33 AM ^
And what reasons do you have to doubt me? It is true. Carlos got hit in a full contact drill Tuesday (the only day the really go full contact during the season). It was described to me as a stupid play.
October 8th, 2009 at 10:51 AM ^
my fault forgot a word, meant to say I have no reason to doubt you.
October 8th, 2009 at 9:28 AM ^
The only thing that could be advantageous is that the Defense has to prepare for more people; however, it could be better if they dont prepare for our backups as well... VIVA JEROME JACKSON
October 8th, 2009 at 9:45 AM ^
LOVE THE JEROME JACKSON!!!
October 8th, 2009 at 10:07 AM ^
it's got to be interesting to be a back in Rich Rod's offense. I mean, a different player could be 'featured' every week. I know Carlos Brown is our leading rusher, but that's almost circumstantial. I think Brown, Minor and even Shaw are largely interchangeable. Put any of them in there for 15+ carries, and they'll get you about the same (as long as the run game isn't totally stifled against MSU) yardage.
Anyway, Minor being healthy is great news, and I don't think we'll miss a beat w/o brown in there, especially if he's missing practice due to being banged up. When he's healthy again, I'm sure he'll get his chance to continue contributing to the offense. He's had some great plays so far.
October 8th, 2009 at 10:07 AM ^
Inexperienced running backs and Minor + Iowa's veteran linebackers who look to knock the ball out (see Angerer vs. PSU) = HOLD ONTO THE DAMN BALL!
October 8th, 2009 at 11:08 AM ^
But ANY post about the "benefits" of injury suck ass. Maybe you meant "silver lining" or something, although again, Brown is the leading rusher, Minor has been hurt all year, and we ARE playing an undefeated Iowa team who Brown could hurt with his speed.
It's just bad taste, man. No sugarcoating it.
October 8th, 2009 at 11:36 AM ^
that's why "benefits" is in quotation marks - because it is NOT a benefit.
October 8th, 2009 at 11:10 AM ^
Hopefully Saturday is a coming out party for Shaw, and Forcier plays well, and the offensive line actuallly plays.
UPSET IN IOWA!
October 8th, 2009 at 11:11 AM ^
Of the two, Smith still has me the most excited. I think he's got the guts and the moves to be really something. Shaw, however, isn't going to step aside lightly.
October 8th, 2009 at 8:04 PM ^
win. Time to unleash the ninjas, spread the field and let these slot receivers have some fun. Coach Rod unleash the Ninjas, let the country see that Michigan Football is on the verge of greatness. Keep the defense on their heels and the running game will be fine.