Defensive counter against Denard?

Submitted by karpodiem on

Just as a hypothetical exercise - say Denard is our starter come September. Most of the throwing routes (completely based on what people have seen at practice) are short ones...I envision a stacked box, more or less tempting us to throw 15+ yards.

What kind of defense would we see? How do we counter?

blueblueblue

April 2nd, 2010 at 4:16 PM ^

Some passes beyond 15 yards to keep them guessing. I have no doubt that Denard could complete a pass beyond 15 yards at least a few times a game.

Tater

April 2nd, 2010 at 4:27 PM ^

...it will probably take a "spy" who can run a 4.3. That, of course, will leave a slot guy open somewhere. Either way, they lose.

SysMark

April 2nd, 2010 at 4:29 PM ^

Once he learns to effectively execute the fakes in the read option there are going to be wide open receivers 15+ yards downfield.

Just wait and see.

DoubleMs

April 2nd, 2010 at 4:30 PM ^

Denard has a surprisingly strong arm, stronger than Tate if I remember. He does have some serious deep threat potential. I wouldn't discount anything against him, he is just as dangerous as Tate, only in different ways.

Chadillac Grillz

April 2nd, 2010 at 4:49 PM ^

If you recall it was nearly ripped in half thus Tate's velocity decreased as the season progressed. Nonetheless, Tate is a better passer for sure, with a stronger arm. I'm all for Denard continuing to compete at QB and he does have a strong/live arm, but he has to prove he is better on the field still...which won't be an easy task. Also, remember than Kelvin Grady started the first game after a great August in 2009, only to be replaced by Odoms who was then replaced by Roundtree. TF is our starter until proven otherwise.

Hard Gay

April 2nd, 2010 at 6:02 PM ^

Grady didn't start any games, he was just the second on the two deep so he saw playing time before being replaced by roundtree. Odom's wasn't replaced, he got hurt.

It was apparent in the WMU game that Denard had the stronger arm, but he kept making bad decisions so it ended up just getting into the hands of the defense quicker.

Chadillac Grillz

April 3rd, 2010 at 12:58 AM ^

Grady played most of the downs at slot vs. WMU I thought...anyways, my point was sometimes a guy can have a good camp and then not play at the same level for four quarters. You ain't talkin' to somebody who doesn't know what happened so don't even try to talk down to me... I'm aware of Odoms injury, but don't tell me he didn't get outplayed and replaced. My point was Denard isn't starting anytime soon and is just getting hyped right now because we are all starved for info..read between the lines.

"It was apparent Denard had the stronger arm" Was that on his 30 yard interception vs. Iowa when he literally arm punted the ball? Or do you say that because of Tate's fantastic 50 yard TD pass versus WMU. Denard has a live arm, but NOT as strong as a healthy Tate. Bottom line is he can't put the ball consistently downfield with the touch and accuracy as Tate and doesn't have the stronger arm of the two. My basis is my own two eyes.

This was NOT intended as disrespect to Shoelace as he is the best athlete on the team right now.

In reply to by The Beard of L…

Blue since birth

April 3rd, 2010 at 1:33 PM ^

Just one of my extensive collection.I consider myself a connoisseur.

There's an avatar floating arround here with three beauties wrapped in M panties I'm dying to get my hands on(so to speak).

WolvinLA2

April 2nd, 2010 at 4:42 PM ^

Here's the thing about a stacked box that people don't realize: not only does stacking the box open you up for deep routes, but also for plays around the outside. A sweep, a reverse, a screen pass, these are all short plays that are effective against a defense that puts more men in the box.

If we can throw a well-timed bubble screen to a slot guy who catches the ball at the line of scrimmage, and we get a decent block on the CB to that side, he's gone. That safety who was 5 yards deep instead of 10 is beat as soon as Odoms/Gallon catches the ball.

Of course a 20 yard pass play is great in this situation, but the safety doesn't hang back for deep pass plays alone. Having a deep defender is needed for any play, run or pass, that goes more than 5-10 yards.

mgovictors23

April 2nd, 2010 at 4:56 PM ^

He has a stronger arm and more speed than Tate. He just really needs to work on awareness and accuracy. If he could improve in those areas he will be very, very tough to defend.

Buddha7

April 2nd, 2010 at 5:44 PM ^

I'd like to see Denard start if for no other reason then that he can break a run and score on any given play. Yes it would be nice to have Tate at QB and Denard in the slot or outside but with him being QB he gets the ball on every play.

The Beard of L…

April 3rd, 2010 at 10:15 AM ^

If people think Tate Forcier can somehow improve in his sophomore season just like they think Denard Robinson can.

Strong Arm. A nice 40 yard TD run against Western Michigan.

Yes, yes. An All America football player is born.

If you ask how to defense him--it's simple. Force him to beat you by passing. He will be behind an offensive line that hasn't exactly proven much. He will have very green, unproven, injury prone running backs behind him.

Junior Hemmingway is a walking injury. Roy Roundtree is great with Tate in there. Does Robinson possess the skillz to get it to him?

And Stonum? He needs a capital Q Quarterback to excel.

Now, of course, if our defense can't stop anybody again (and I'm leaning toward NOT)--well, I don't see Denard as the guy who is going to light it up for 75 points per game.

I'm thinking we all may be expecting too many 98 yard plays out of Denard--but Michigan should be happy if the offense can move the chains and keep other offenses off the field. We couldn't do that the last two years.

michiganfanforlife

April 3rd, 2010 at 10:55 AM ^

mister "pooped in my sandwich." I would say your glass isn't half empty, it's full of feces. What motivates people to spread bad thoughts like this? Hating trolls is what brought me to this website in the first place. Most of them are kicked out pretty fast. I'm not saying I want an all sunny prediction for next year or bust, but giving the "all dark and stormy" prediction is just as stupid.