UM Defense
Biggest improvements of Michigans D (in no specific order)
1) Stevie Browns massive improvement
many people did not notice this as the only reason it was such an improvement was that he gave up no big plays this could be the difference this year for Michigan's D
2) Pass Rush
What was even bad about the pass rush in the WMU game they were quick, strong and even more importanly smart. They even got a few tips
3) Run Defense
other than a few 5-10 yd runs the run D impressed me alot i especially liked the ability to tackle in space
4) Defensive Secondary
played great the coverage was good except for when they played prevent and they were really putting the hits on to Western Michigan receivers.
Over all a good day for the Defense.
Your thoughts on Michigans Defense on Saturday.
September 7th, 2009 at 12:47 PM ^
They were able to tackle in space, or if they could not make the tackle they slowed/held them up long enough for help to arrive. Also at times seemed like they had 13 guys out there, very quick to the ball.
September 7th, 2009 at 12:48 PM ^
with the entire defense, even the secondary. I wasn't even dissapointed in Warren's penalties - You can tell he is extremely motivated to have a big season.
I am nervous with the depth - the huge drop off in experience could kill us down the road if there's an injury (knock on wood) to Cissoko or Warren.
September 7th, 2009 at 12:54 PM ^
I think some of them might have been frustration shots. I was rewatching the game and saw Nunez getting a bit chippy early, pushing and shoving UM players after the whistle. Part of me wonders if Donovan was getting upset and took it out on the field.
September 7th, 2009 at 1:05 PM ^
My concern with the pass rush is that WMU's OL seems to be in the big but slow category and the future OL's we face should be more athletic and quicker in general. I would have liked to see a few more pressures/sacks against Western, but overall I think the defense had a good day.
September 7th, 2009 at 2:34 PM ^
WMU went more with max protect and 2-3 man routes than spreading the field with 5 pass options. So when we only rushed 4-5 most of the day, and got to Hiller enough to disrupt him I think it was a good showing. WMUs OL returned 4 starters so their pass pro should be pretty good because they know there assignments and where to expect pressure coming from.
The only problem I can foresee with the DL besides depth is when we go up against a bigger mauling OL that wants to pound the run. Then it will be up to GERG to scheme it so we dont get pounded into submission.