Defense Encouraging?
Per Dave Birkett posted on AnnArbor.com_ "Center David Molk said the first-team offense failed to score on two drives inside the red zone during 11-on-11 work late in practice Friday, and Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez said he noticed improved fundamentals on the first day of full pads.
"I don’t know that we should be encouraged that we tackled them all the time or we couldn’t make somebody miss," Rodriguez said. "I was kind of torn. But the tackling part was really pretty good. And (coordinator) Greg (Robinson) and the defensive staff will continue to emphasize that because it was poor at times (last year) and we’ve got to do a lot of work."
This makes me think of two things. First maybe our D can be stellar like the old days! Second I hope we have a good FG kicker. Everyone involved says they are fast and RR above said the tackling was pretty good. Mostly on all subjects we have heard things are OK or they still need work but today he used pretty good. I hope that this is good news for the season. Defense wins championships! Go Blue
August 15th, 2009 at 6:24 AM ^
Keep in mind that it often takes the offense longer to get up to speed. So much of it is about timing and you can't really simulate that without defenders. Defense is about reacting, which you can do without pads.
August 15th, 2009 at 6:59 AM ^
I thought in this case RR was almost upbeat about how the D was tackling. I don't think that the O will really have trouble getting in the Endzone but I hope the D really tackles better that last year.
August 15th, 2009 at 7:24 AM ^
the extra emphasis in practice with one on one tackling drills should help
August 15th, 2009 at 7:57 AM ^
Well that's good. In the one on one everyone was missing. But one of the annonuncers said the defense usually dominates the first day in pads.
August 15th, 2009 at 8:01 AM ^
I have thought Michigan has been a poor tackling team for the past few years, I really hope this is will be a noticeable change for 2009
August 15th, 2009 at 8:24 AM ^
is D Depth, not the 1st team. If you look at them, some positions are young, but most of the guys are highly rated.
August 15th, 2009 at 9:31 AM ^
I just feel alot better about GERG than i did about Schaffer .. Robinson just seems a better teacher and seems like he has passion ... schaffer was in the booth
August 15th, 2009 at 9:52 AM ^
I think that this is a key for coordinators. I know that they need to see the big picture but being able to put a shoe in somebody's ass if need be is way more important. Being able to get the D on the same page to make adjustments and support the boys face to face. This builds trust in the players and players that trust don't second guess they just play fast.
August 16th, 2009 at 11:20 AM ^
This is especially true with young college kids. They can get down on themselves or whatever very quickly. Maybe Stevie Brown gets dumped by a girl on Friday and needs some inspiration after the first drive.
Schaffer's approach seemed reminiscent of Weis - more appropriate in the Xs and Os oriented NFL.
August 15th, 2009 at 9:42 AM ^
trying to take ball carriers down by simply putting a shoulder into them without even trying to wrap them up with those appendages that are connected to the shoulder. I've seen enough of that to last me a lifetime.
August 15th, 2009 at 11:09 AM ^
That is great news, we really need a upgrade at tackling because the last couple years have been pathetic when it comes to tackling.
August 15th, 2009 at 11:23 AM ^
typically favor the defense. And on the first day of practice, I would expect this to happen. Still, it's nice to hear.