Let's talk about Greg Robinson, please
First of all, let me state that even though three of our games have not meant that much, I am pleased to be 4-0. Though I predicted that we would end up 9-3 this season, I did not think that we would beat Notre Dame, and I am pleased that we did. Still though, moving ahead, I am concerned about the defensive schemes of coach Robinson.
There are two things that I would like to see him do more of: I would like to see him put more pressure on the quarterback...or...I would like to see him give our second cornerback (Cissoko or Floyd) help over the top. In three of our last four games, the opposing quarterback has had too much time to throw and our second corner has been on an island too often. Because of this, we are getting picked apart.
It's simple:
...If we're going to go with a three man rush, I would like to see our second corner getting some help.
...If we're going to leave our second corner on an island, I would like to see some more pressure (a blitz of some sort!).
I realize that our defense is inexperienced and I realize that a walk-on has started the last two games. But given our last two opponents, I do not think that our problem is a talent issue, I think that it is a scheme issue. If he does not correct these schematic problems, I think that we could be in for a long season.
I also realize that coach Robinson has had quite a bit of success as a defensive coordinator in the NFL. But, in the games that I have been to, I have seen coach Rodriguez getting quite animated with coach Robinson on the sidelines. He made a mistake hiring Shafer, he might have made a mistake in hiring Robinson.
I am not writing him off yet...but I am concerned. That is all that I am saying. If you have a peaceful and intelligent remark, please post a response.
There are two things that I would like to see him do more of: I would like to see him put more pressure on the quarterback...or...I would like to see him give our second cornerback (Cissoko or Floyd) help over the top. In three of our last four games, the opposing quarterback has had too much time to throw and our second corner has been on an island too often. Because of this, we are getting picked apart.
It's simple:
...If we're going to go with a three man rush, I would like to see our second corner getting some help.
...If we're going to leave our second corner on an island, I would like to see some more pressure (a blitz of some sort!).
I realize that our defense is inexperienced and I realize that a walk-on has started the last two games. But given our last two opponents, I do not think that our problem is a talent issue, I think that it is a scheme issue. If he does not correct these schematic problems, I think that we could be in for a long season.
I also realize that coach Robinson has had quite a bit of success as a defensive coordinator in the NFL. But, in the games that I have been to, I have seen coach Rodriguez getting quite animated with coach Robinson on the sidelines. He made a mistake hiring Shafer, he might have made a mistake in hiring Robinson.
I am not writing him off yet...but I am concerned. That is all that I am saying. If you have a peaceful and intelligent remark, please post a response.
September 28th, 2009 at 3:41 AM ^
Just like you need to give a first-year head coach several years to recruit the right kids, teach the system and get them all working together, the same is true of a new DC. I was not happy when RR hired Scott Shafer. I mean, if you are looking for a DC, who thinks of Stanford? But I did not think it was fair to cut him loose after only one season when the offense did everything possible to keep giving the ball to the other team as quickly as possible.
Robinson deserves a chance. He has a very good track record as a DC. He seems like a decent, honest person who doesn't cheat (if he was cheating at Syracuse he was doing it wrong). And I think that many of the problems you see as "scheme" failures might just be fallout from the fact that the kids are still learning the system and, therefore, are not always in the right place and do not always have their assignments down. Add to that the lack of depth and size, both of which should be corrected over time, and you have a perfect recipe for a mediocre defense.
September 28th, 2009 at 7:57 AM ^
Rome wasn't built in a day. We can't have a Queen of Hearts strategy with the staff. After all, if we are preaching patience with RR, we should do the same, within reason, with the rest of the coaching staff.
September 28th, 2009 at 8:46 AM ^
We have had three new DC's in four years. We have to land on one for a while and cut the churn.
By all accounts the players respect Gerg like, or maybe even more than they respected Ron English. Gerg's players are saying he has so much experience, he's advising them on finite little adjustments, etc.
Our defensive talent is young, and not fully developed. They are learning a new system as fast as they can. Gerg himself is entering his first season in the Big Ten and learning as he goes himself.
Gerg and his players need time in system. They are where the offense was last season. If we see improvement across the season (with injuries factored in), then I am comfortable we'll see a big leap next year.
Think back to last year where we had fully developed talent that regressed across the whole season.
No, Gerg's a keeper.
Go Blue!
September 28th, 2009 at 12:24 PM ^
Exactly and well put. This D has less talent than last year. While GERG has not done miracles for the D, he also hasn't destroyed it either. I only hope he can put together a middle-of-the-road defense by the end of the year and then UM can recruit some additional talent on D and get its existing players to develop in the off-season.
September 28th, 2009 at 8:25 AM ^
After seeing a summary of Brian's UFR's from last year in this season's preview of the defense, it became incredibly clear that Shafer was utterly inept. I had no problem with him being let go.
September 28th, 2009 at 3:49 AM ^
"I would like to see him put more pressure on the quarterback...or...I would like to see him give our second cornerback (Cissoko or Floyd) help over the top"
what you're saying is that you want to see extra coverage or a blitz. frankly, that's a meaningless statement. its like saying in basketball that i'll play you tight if i want to take away your jumper and i'll back off if i want to take away your drive. and...?
"It's simple:"
no, if only it were that simple. play calling is determined by so many factors - previous sequence of plays, personnel, formation, timing, etc.
this defense has so many holes and i think he's done a commendable job masking them. with the inexperience of this defense - the physical disadvantage of the line (everyone except BG), the inability of the linebackers to play smart (angles, reading, gap control), the lack of range at safety (and boubacar), it would be suicidal to be a blitz-happy team or consistently overplay certain aspects of the D.
its all about balance - and i think robinson is doing a commendable job with it. he has a track record of excellence as a DC and in that role, he was a marquee hire. it is way to early to consider writing him off. i see very few problems with the scheme - and it should improve markedly throughout the year if not next year.
September 28th, 2009 at 3:52 AM ^
Give Gerg a break. He's not going anywhere.
A big part of the problem IS the lack of talent as well as depth. We knew 9 months ago that this was going to be an issue all season and the offense was going to have to step up and carry the team to stay competitive week after week.
Why are people shocked that it has so far turned out the way we anticipated? Although, we couldn't realistically expect this team to be 4-0 at this point going into Sparty Week.
Can't blame the DC when you don't really have the personnel stepping up on defense and some walk ons are beating out the kids recruited to fill these positions.
Hopefully, these guys will start to improve and turn things around as the season progresses.
They've only played four games and won them all. Way too early for people to start handing Gerg his walking papers.
September 28th, 2009 at 3:56 AM ^
...we can start getting JT Turner in there, so he can be polished and ready to see a lot of action or possibly start by the end of October. We need someone with his skills to complement Warren. Though maybe Floyd can keep improving. He looked awful against Western, but looked somewhat decent this past week. I don't know what's the deal with Cissoko, but he does not seem to be improving. If all else fails, clone Warren and put the clone in Cissoko's uniform. Or, murder the other team's receivers...cause you know "everybody murders."
September 28th, 2009 at 9:49 AM ^
they don't play Turner by Delaware then we redshirt him. Don't give up a full year of elig if its probably going to only be scraps.
September 29th, 2009 at 1:35 AM ^
...I hope he can get a little playing time in the next two games (RR indicated this may happen in his Monday presser). Then get him some significant minutes against Delaware St so he can be ready to be a major contributor for the last five games if not the starter. And as long as he is ready to start by the time THE GAME happens, it's worth it. We gotta end that 5 game drought. That game is the season as far as I am concerned. We'll go in as the underdog anyway, which is just the way I like it.
September 28th, 2009 at 4:36 AM ^
This is the same troll that posted that has posted this topic over and over and over on the Scout forum (typically with less tact demanding that RR "Fire G Rob" lol)....and keeps on Hammering it over and over and over and over...(he knows that he has to be less of a pk over here)
Basically, judging from his style, posting history there and writing...there is a 98% probability that he is the same troll that used to go by the name of "gambit" on Scout, and "scooter" etc. elsewhere.....and his MO is to be a "concern troll"...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Troll_(Internet)
Not a real Michigan fan....
Just be aware not to fall for his "bag o tricks" because he will keep coming back and posting the same garbage, over and over and over and over and over
(ad nauseam)
BTW...he has -90 points over here which says alot.
To get to the "point"... this defense is:
1) Very young. Starting True Freshman and walkons. Only 2 seniors.
2) On its 3rd DC in 3 years.
3) Is undersized up front.
4) Its early in the season.
5) Schemes have been good, much more sound than last year.
6) Tackling is better than last year.
enough. ok??
September 28th, 2009 at 5:02 AM ^
I believe you're probably right. This does read very similar to something right out of the mlive and freep comments where the troll has many different aliases. This does seem to possibly be the same person.
September 28th, 2009 at 7:32 AM ^
He is right. He posted this verbatim at Scout this morning. It's RichRodFaith.
September 28th, 2009 at 10:14 AM ^
What's more, he posted it at 3 in the morning, most likely to get maximum views before someone removes it.
This diary concept really needs a minimum point threshold if they're to have such a prominent page position, or else trolls like this will continue to exploit it.
September 28th, 2009 at 4:39 AM ^
I don't wanna sound like a queer or nothin'
But I think unicorns are kickass!
September 28th, 2009 at 5:08 AM ^
I haven't heard too many Orgasmo references in the past.
September 28th, 2009 at 5:07 AM ^
Rang loudly when he/she said
"First of all, let me state that even though three of our games have not meant that much..."
Little research
He started this forum topic two days ago
http://mgoblog.com/mgoboard/gregg-robinson-t-e-r-r-i-b-l-e-terrible
September 28th, 2009 at 8:30 AM ^
Coming in we knew we were in trouble on D. I'm willing to give G Rob credit for "making it work" so far. Against IU we adjusted at the half and only gave up 10 points from there on out (which turns out was just enough). Also, nice job of forcing all the FGs in the red zone. All in all, our second half defense has actually been pretty good...considering this defense is held together with bandaids and toothpicks.
So far we are averaging giving up 7.75 points per game in the second half....not bad, really.
September 28th, 2009 at 8:33 AM ^
diary worthy. Very little analysis or new ideas brought to the table here. Don't know that 'concerned' posts need to be written as a diary.
September 28th, 2009 at 8:35 AM ^
I am not sure how the troll can be so disappointed in Robinson. As with RR last year, Robinson has inherited very little talent.
Some nice D-linemen, a very weak linebacking corps (Stevie Brown might be playing the best linebacker!!) and one top shelf DB. Obi Ezeh and a walk on at LB?
I agree I would like to see more pressure (it seemed to be the key to the 3rd Qtr against ND) but I also realize that this D held a pretty good looking Indiana team to field goals on a number of red zone trips.....the key to our comeback.
And although I hear people saying we dont change looks much, I can already think of a handful of times team came to the line and called timeout, or had a delay penalty, due to shifting and changes on our side.
I would just like to know the genesis of GERG?
September 28th, 2009 at 8:39 AM ^
Blitz! We had a modicum of success against IU when we did blitz. I'd like to see a little more aggression from our D to cover up the freshman-walk-on-ness of this unit. If we get burnt once in a while, what would be the difference?
September 28th, 2009 at 8:48 AM ^
In sum I hate you OP because you're a troll....
ANNNNNND neg
September 28th, 2009 at 8:52 AM ^
....the D sure does seem to get a lot of three and outs. The D has "broken the serve" of our opponenet a lot more than our foes have broken ours, if you'll accept the tennis line.
And, the two times this year, it needed a stop to get the ball back for the O, it did. And the D had a big time hand in getting the win on Saturday by forcing field goals.
Flaws? Oh yeah. Will the D give up more than 30 in a few more games? Sure.
But, i think we have enough D to somehow cobble together a winning Big 10 mark. We'll find out.
September 28th, 2009 at 9:05 AM ^
Especially considering there is only 12 of them. For even the suggestion that some games "don't count," a mod should delete this tired attempt at content.
September 28th, 2009 at 9:06 AM ^
The more safety help you give the corners against the deep ball, the less safety help you give the linebackers against the run, and heaven knows the linebackers need all the help they can get.
September 28th, 2009 at 11:22 AM ^
I agree that this is the problem: weak LB's (and to some extent, weak safety play)
September 28th, 2009 at 9:07 AM ^
He doesn't think it's a talent issue? What?! GERG' schemes are the only thing making up for poor talent, poor player development and poor position coaching over the past few years.
September 28th, 2009 at 9:19 AM ^
GERG is here to stay, but I wouldn't be shocked if there weren't some position coaches replaced if for no other reason to redirect our recruiting efforts. We have some recruiting ducks on that side of the ball as of late.
September 28th, 2009 at 9:23 AM ^
Gerg's Defensive Philosophy. Who cares if they get yards as long as they suddenly hit something resembling a rock wall inside the 20. Once in awhile it doesn't work, but it does when it matters. I have stopped caring about opposing yardages and TOP this season. Our defense seems to wear offenses out, not the other way around.
September 28th, 2009 at 9:23 AM ^
First, with respect to blitzing more, he has tried that, but the LBs, especially Ezeh, have failed to get to the QB in time. Safety blitzes have been more successful, but given the weakness at the Cissoko/Floyd CB position, that's a huge risk. Safety help with Woolfolk has been late, but perhaps a commitment to always help with Cissoko/Floyd while leaving Warren on an island is the best way to go since Warren has been excellent while the other corners have been poor. There's also the problem with run containment. The D-Line (except Graham) has generally not stopped inside runs at the point of attack and outside runs to the opposite side of Graham have been successful. This means a LB has to protect against the run, limiting the blitz to just one LB, usually Ezeh, who has been constantly late. With one of the corner positions shaky and a safety getting late, you need 4 guys in the secondary unless it's an obvious running play.
Given these limitations, I'm actually pleased with GERG's plan, which is the limit the damage, not give up big plays at all costs and force opposing QBs to be accurate. If the opposition executes, teams will accumulate yards and score against our defense. But at least they will have to earn their points, since there are no big plays. Unless a team is perfect, that at least gives the offense a chance to win the game by scoring a lot of points, which they have done so far. The situation isn't perfect. Simply put, there has to be better players on defense. The only way the defense can improve now is the recruit better players.
September 28th, 2009 at 9:23 AM ^
First, with respect to blitzing more, he has tried that, but the LBs, especially Ezeh, have failed to get to the QB in time. Safety blitzes have been more successful, but given the weakness at the Cissoko/Floyd CB position, that's a huge risk. Safety help with Woolfolk has been late, but perhaps a commitment to always help with Cissoko/Floyd while leaving Warren on an island is the best way to go since Warren has been excellent while the other corners have been poor. There's also the problem with run containment. The D-Line (except Graham) has generally not stopped inside runs at the point of attack and outside runs to the opposite side of Graham have been successful. This means a LB has to protect against the run, limiting the blitz to just one LB, usually Ezeh, who has been constantly late. With one of the corner positions shaky and a safety getting late, you need 4 guys in the secondary unless it's an obvious running play.
Given these limitations, I'm actually pleased with GERG's plan, which is the limit the damage, not give up big plays at all costs and force opposing QBs to be accurate. If the opposition executes, teams will accumulate yards and score against our defense. But at least they will have to earn their points, since there are no big plays. Unless a team is perfect, that at least gives the offense a chance to win the game by scoring a lot of points, which they have done so far. The situation isn't perfect. Simply put, there has to be better players on defense. The only way the defense can improve now is to recruit better players.
September 28th, 2009 at 9:38 AM ^
Interesting...given that RR and Michigan are now 4-0, the troll appears to be changing from the direct assault (RR is incompetent!) to an attempt to undermine positive feelings about Michigan. I haven't noticed any of the direct assaults on Mlive recently, so this appears to be the new strategy. Undermine. Plant seeds of doubt. Influence.
Never mind that very few of us ever expected a 4-0 start. This season has been more successful thus far than most of us had hoped. RR has restored fear in the hearts of U-M's opponents and confidence in the fan base. Almost all of the negative talk has stopped...well ALMOST all of it.
September 28th, 2009 at 9:43 AM ^
I'm not sure you've taken into account the dire personnel state of this defense. We have at least two walk-ons, a LB who is a converted safety (and is admittedly doing well), and far too many redshirt-freshman DBs. Also an MLB whom I really, really want to see do well, but manages to be five yards down the field every time. We really just don't have the horses to be a dominant defense right now, and scheming is not going to change that.
As other commenters have said, Robinson appears to be using a "bend, don't break" philosophy. Normally I dislike this idea, but with this defense, it's basically the only option. The alternative is attacking all the time and giving up huge plays when the aggression doesn't pan out.
September 28th, 2009 at 10:02 AM ^
Good morning, the season is already one third over and going quite well. So, unless things get really, really bad really really fast, we won't be 'in for a long season.'
Michigan is 4-0. If they beat MSU then nothing short of losing out keeps this season from being a resounding success.
If you're not enjoying this season then you have my sympathies.
September 28th, 2009 at 10:39 AM ^
Stevie Brown is your best linebacker thus far, two walk-ons have seen significant playing time in the secondary, one is a two year tryout, the other started, Cissoko has been picked on like a midget, there is virtually no depth on the defensive line and the "preseason all-conference" MLB leads in tackles - 6 yards from where they should have happened. Is that not a lack of talent?
How many 5 star (or even 4 star guys) are playing right now?
The issue is not GERG or his schemes...the direct issue is lack of talent and with virtually the same defensive unit from last year (minus TT, Jamison, Trent,) I'm quite pleased that the defense hasn't completely imploded so far this season.
The halftime adjustment's (particularly against ND and EMU) have been effective and the tackling has been noticably better compared to the same point last year.
Is the defense going to give up points? Yes, but I'll take a bend-not-break philosophy with this bunch. Robinson has kept us in the game enough to be 4-0. If we gotta score points to do it, I'll win in a shootout any time.
September 28th, 2009 at 11:05 AM ^
It would be nice if these "concern troll-posts" were moved to the "Letters to the Editor" portion of the Freep or somewhere else that we wouldn't ever have to view them.
Talent remains an issue. This is not a dig at walk-ons, but if I'm not mistaken, we've had significant game time with two of them on-field at once. And their play was generally better than that of the scholarship players at those same positions.
The season is still young, and so are the players. With 3 D-coordinators in 4 years, even the veterans are seeing new schemes. In other words, there are going to be a lot more mistakes from players trying to execute than we're going to see in the next year or so.
Lastly, the players seem to respect and like Robinson and they play hard for him. Under Robinson, the defense does seem to tighten up and make the right adjustments when we need them to late in the games.
September 30th, 2009 at 11:07 AM ^
This is a great point. I wish we didn't need all these goal-line stands, but so far we're tightening up when we need to on D, and preventing TDs in favor of field goals.
September 28th, 2009 at 11:12 AM ^
needs to get out on the field with our boys! show 'em hows it done!
NOT GOOD ENUF! ONLY 4 AND OH!
September 28th, 2009 at 11:22 AM ^
Normally you expect good run support/blitzes out of your safeties OR better drop back help for the cornerbacks. The fact that Gerg is not doing this is a red flag that he just can't do it. The analytical alternative, that he doesn't know as much as us, is just too funny. Now add to the mix that our defense tightens up in the red zone WHERE THERE IS A LOT LESS SPACE TO DEFEND. So the Gerg brain cramp magically disappears. How could this be? Because the lack of space hides our huge deficiencies. So in the end I agree with the general support for Gerg, especially in light of our talent shortage. If we blitzed better and without giving up coverage, we would. If we could cover better without giving up run support, we would. We are not good on defense. We are playing way over our ability on both sides of the ball right now.
September 28th, 2009 at 12:57 PM ^
I don't think that the offense is playing way over its ability at all right now. They're loaded with experience and/or talent at every position. The only concern coming into the season was QB and Tate has more than held his own.
I'd argue that Michigan has the best RB tandem (Brown and Minor) along with the best receiving corps (Mathews, Hemingway, Stonum, Koger, Odoms....) in the Big Ten. The offensive line is experienced and was highly recruited (one 5 star, three four stars and one 3 star). What more could we really ask for on the offensive side of the ball except for a little more experience at QB?
September 28th, 2009 at 11:34 AM ^
here's an peaceful remark:
Kumbayah, fuck you you fucking troll.
September 28th, 2009 at 12:46 PM ^
Gerg's hair looked lustrous and healthy on Saturday, and that was in less than ideal weather! Truly, he has championship hair.
Now addressing your "concern," here's a recipe for you:
Grandma's Chicken Noodle Soup
INGREDIENTS
* 2 1/2 cups wide egg noodles
* 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
* 12 cups chicken broth
* 1 1/2 tablespoons salt
* 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
* 1 cup chopped celery
* 1 cup chopped onion
* 1/3 cup cornstarch
* 1/4 cup water
* 3 cups diced, cooked chicken meat
DIRECTIONS
1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add egg noodles and oil, and boil for 8 minutes, or until tender. Drain, and rinse under cool running water.
2. In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, combine broth, salt, and poultry seasoning. Bring to a boil. Stir in celery and onion. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 15 minutes.
3. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water together until cornstarch is completely dissolved. Gradually add to soup, stirring constantly. Stir in noodles and chicken, and heat through.
September 28th, 2009 at 7:55 PM ^
He does have cool hair.