Official Snowflake Thread: Defense
September 22nd, 2013 at 12:39 PM ^
This. Times 10. Desmond appears to be turning into a reliable and sturdy MLB. He doesn't seem to have the flash all the time (fabulous interception tonight aside), but he is always around the ball carrier and making plays. Additionally, I completely agree with what you said re: when he makes contact. He's one of the first LB's I feel like we've had in a while that really does DELIVER the blow to the opponent. He always seems to be screaming to his assignment. One thing I will always remember from my cfb days was that coaches would say "If you're going to make a mistake on a play, make the mistake at 90 MPH." Desmond seems to be living that type of mantra, and that is what I want from my MLB.
September 22nd, 2013 at 12:21 AM ^
Mattison's boys rebounded tonight. They get my stamp of approval.
September 22nd, 2013 at 12:36 AM ^
2. We have very good young talent on our roster. Ojemudia and Wormley were a nice change of pace, along with Frank Clark in the 4th Quarter.
3. Still a little concerned that we're playing such soft coverage on the outside. When we've pressed, we haven't been beaten, and we've gift-wrapped lots of yardage with underneath throws to the sideline. The CB is right there when the ball comes, but he's always on the other side of the receiver. Easy catches for 8-13 yards regularly.
4. Everyone will bitch about giving up 26 on a 4th and 29, but the play worked exactly as drawn up on defense. The safeties stayed on the down line and met the receiver at the point of the catch. No chance to make it past them because they allowed the play to be in front of them. I know it was close, but it worked just as it was drawn up. Good patience on that one. A Hail Mary would have scared me more. Too many chances for weird catch, PI, etc.
5. This defense is only going to get better in a few weeks when Jake MF Ryan returns. Thankfully, that's right about when I get really nervous about our opponents.
September 22nd, 2013 at 12:43 AM ^
September 22nd, 2013 at 1:37 AM ^
Pressure was much better tonight. Front four was doing a much better job of getting off blocks.
September 22nd, 2013 at 12:43 AM ^
The defense played pretty good against a bad team with two of its best players out with injury. Not the most glowing review. Still think we just have a bunch of guys on D this year. Countess may be a playmaker.
September 22nd, 2013 at 3:09 AM ^
I had to DVR the game and just finished watching it--I really cannot believe there are posters on here complaining about the defense. Some people are never satisfied, I guess.
September 22nd, 2013 at 7:41 AM ^
He is a good slot guy, and his presence should allow Countess to play outside later this year. Bolden looks lost in pass coverage (I think that he is best in the Middle), and Mario made some hay from the DE position. This unit played pretty well overall, and now we will get to see how they handle a mobile QB, as Minny has a pretty good one. I would think that it will be a big test for our linebacking crew, and James Ross III could be a key in two weeks.
September 22nd, 2013 at 8:59 AM ^
September 22nd, 2013 at 10:13 AM ^
September 22nd, 2013 at 9:47 AM ^
This is the curse of playing a team as bad as UConn. If the defense plays well (which they did), it is just UConn. If they play poorly (as the offense did), PANIC. The defense did play very well. I would like to see Michigan force more turnovers. They did a great job of forcing 4 straight 3 and outs, but in the process lost 20 yards of field position (I know, see Offense bitch fest and special teams craptacular). The one turnover they forced allowed Michigan to win the game. Without that TO, I am not sure that Michigan wins.
September 22nd, 2013 at 9:51 AM ^
September 22nd, 2013 at 10:11 AM ^
September 22nd, 2013 at 10:48 AM ^
to measure the difference HAD our offense had any semblence of power. If the offense could EVER get up by 3 scores, say 17 - 0, then the other team is going to change their offensive calls. When Gardner throws a pick on the FIRST drive ... it just fires the whole team up. And after that Devin couldn't hit even a 5 yard pass. He lost ALL confidence and UConn knew. They didn't need to respect the pass.
The defense is fine right now. I don't think our safety blitz from 10 yards off the LOS doesn't makes any sense ... but other than that - I think the defense has improved over last year.
Go Blue!
September 22nd, 2013 at 11:40 AM ^
I thought it looked pretty good. There was a pretty good progression from what Mattison said last week to what showed up on the field. Caveat for level of competition, but it was the kind of performance i'd expect to see. I still don't understand the consistently soft coverage, but i assume there's a reason for it.