Why doesn't D-Rob get the read option play called for him?
Denard still has a lot to learn. His decision making still has a long way to go. But why does Denard not run the read option play? I though that play was the building block of our running game. Denard seems as though that play was made for him. I would love to see defenses have to decide whether or not they want defend Minor or Denard. I still think that Robert Patrick is our guy, but to me the best way to provide a spark would be to get D-Rob in open space and let him go to work. Right now it isn't a suprise of what Denard is going to do, just which side is he going to run to. Give him a chance to make plays, that's all I ask!
October 11th, 2009 at 5:40 AM ^
he and Tate aren't very good at running it yet? Its a complex play, just like reading the defense when they drop back to pass. Except with the zone read, they have a 1/2 second to make the decision and give or pull the ball where in a pass drop all they have to do is read and drop back. They'll get more time in the system and get better at running it. They are still freshmen.
October 11th, 2009 at 5:59 AM ^
I definitely agree that he should run it. Has he even had a chance?
October 11th, 2009 at 6:20 AM ^
in all the days of practice, they have never once decided to try to let Denard run the zone read.........
October 11th, 2009 at 7:09 AM ^
This, if it is fact seems absurd! Why not get the fastest player on our team in open space?
October 11th, 2009 at 8:08 AM ^
I totally agree. DRob should be used more effectivly based on his strengths. Kept looking for him during the 1st half.
Oh, and BTW, whatever happened to Sheridan?
October 11th, 2009 at 8:14 AM ^
You know what happened, he filled in for David Cone.
October 11th, 2009 at 10:18 AM ^
Two Guesses:
1) The coaches have found the draw to be more successful in practice, where perhaps Denard has broken it open consistently (not too much of a stretch considering the linebacker situation).
2) My understanding of the zone read option is that it is a numbers game. It works because you theoretically don't have to block one guy, you can just run away from him. Maybe since Michigan gets 8 or 9 in the box when Denard enters the game, the numbers won't work?
October 11th, 2009 at 10:30 AM ^
Neither Forcier nor Robinson has become adept at making the right read.
This is another reason that Forcier should be getting the majority of the snaps. Robinson is almost entirely a running QB, yet Rodriguez's most famous play is useless when Robinson is in the game. So while taking the read option away from Robinson, it eliminates (let's say) 20% of his playbook. Meanwhile, Forcier can't run the read option well, but since he can run almost any other pass/run play (including take snaps from under center), removing the read option only eliminates (random number) 5% of his playbook.