Denard getting hit: 2010 vs 2011?

Submitted by MGrether on

Question: have the types of hits & number of hits changed since last year? It seems to me like Denard has been running oob more this year, while doing less "getting that extra yard" type runs. Sure, he has been popped a few times in '11... but I feel like it is less or at least less nasty/brutal then last year.  Thoughts?

 

I would do a diary on this myself if I didn't have 3 jobs & an infant... but it would be cool if someone did the research, with some chart action.

justingoblue

September 24th, 2011 at 5:43 PM ^

I feel like he got hit more against EMU than he would have been last year, but probably less today than last year. Not that helpful, but hey, I've been drinking and we won.

los barcos

September 24th, 2011 at 5:45 PM ^

remember, last year through four games he went out in 3 of them.  this year through four games he hasnt left for a snap.  sample size and all but he seems to be holding up better so far.

ClearEyesFullHart

September 24th, 2011 at 5:57 PM ^

I'm going to guess that with fewer posessions there have been fewer hits.  I'm also going to guess that some mathematician is going to project how many times Denard WOULD have been hit if the posessions had been the same.  This will cause me to scratch my head.

Michigan_Mike

September 24th, 2011 at 5:53 PM ^

He does seem to be avoiding big hits better than last year. I'm thinking a year of getting crushed has lead him to try and find ways to dodge those. Most times the best play long term is to get out of bounds and avoid the safeties trying to take him out.

MDubs

September 24th, 2011 at 5:56 PM ^

coaching staff has specifically made comments about trying to limit Denard's injury risk.  I'm sure they are coaching him to avoid unnecessary hits as much as possible & technique on taking a hit, in addition to using play-calling (when able) that limit his risk

anything can happen, but I take comfort in knowing coaches have recognized & publicly acknowledged who is buttering their bread

the precious must be kept safe, after all

DV

September 24th, 2011 at 6:14 PM ^

The only sure way to lower Denard's injury risk is to limit his carries (reduce his production) and get him to slide or run out of bounds whenever possible.

sheepdog

September 24th, 2011 at 6:20 PM ^

Denard is a year more experienced, stronger, tougher and one more year used to FBS competition. I would expect that he should be able to take the hits a little netter than last year regardless.

Dix

September 24th, 2011 at 7:51 PM ^

Denard hasn't really taken any hits on the sidelines this year.  That tells me that he is getting out of bounds when he does get there.  Last year, the most brutal hits he took were when he would get the sideline and turn it up field, from there, he just turned on the jets and went all out, sort of out of control, so when he would take the hit, it was usually a fairly solid blow from a crossing defender with Denard not able to brace himself. 

He seems like he is running under control more, being more patient, and thus isn't moving at 100% speed when he takes a shot.

Muttley

September 24th, 2011 at 10:38 PM ^

in this OOC campaign like he did vs BGSU last year.  (Which seemed like an inoccuous situation going out of bounds, but when a knee hits the turf at ludicrous speed, damage can be done even to Denard.)

So at least he has less wear-and-tear on him heading into the B1G.