Our New DC Plans to stop the spread and Mobil QB

[Rockie]

http://media.www.dailyorange.com/media/storage/paper522/news/2006/10/13/Sports/2.Players.To.Stop.The.Spread.The.Middle.Linebacker .And.Free.Safety.Are.The.Two.K-2348303.shtml

http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/022504aaa.html

[bigboyBlue]

Good read, god knows (being in the Big East) he has seen the spread aplenty.

[number2]

Good read, god knows (being in the Big East) he has seen the spread aplenty.

but at 10-37 he sure as sh*t didnt stop it...I cant remember where I read it (maybe an espn blog) but I am going to look at this like the blogger who posted something to this affect...just because someone wasnt successful as a head coach doesnt mean he cant succeed doing what he knows best...

I dont know much about GR but Im assuming he's been successful in the past with the D

[bluefan]

but at 10-37 he sure as sh*t didnt stop it...I cant remember where I read it (maybe an espn blog) but I am going to look at this like the blogger who posted something to this affect...just because someone wasnt successful as a head coach doesnt mean he cant succeed doing what he knows best...

I dont know much about GR but Im assuming he's been successful in the past with the D

Uh, yeah. 8-0 in bowls and 2-0 in Super Bowls.

[bigboyBlue]

but at 10-37 he sure as sh*t didnt stop it...I cant remember where I read it (maybe an espn blog) but I am going to look at this like the blogger who posted something to this affect...just because someone wasnt successful as a head coach doesnt mean he cant succeed doing what he knows best...

I dont know much about GR but Im assuming he's been successful in the past with the D

Agree. I would say that even though he wasn't the D-Coordinator at Syracuse, the defense did improve somewhat under him. And I agree that being a lousy HC has nothing to do with your ability as a D Coordinator. I like that his NFL defenses were high pressure, high turnover forcing Ds. He won't have that level of talent here, but he won't be facing entire NFL calib er offenses either.

[AlwaysBlue]

Robinson was the d-coordinator for denver's superbowl run 10 years ago and so I have some pretty specific memories of the defense's performance.

The defense he put on the field was a "bend dont break" type defense. They took chances and got burned from time to time.. but the key was the linebacker play. They regulated everythingo n the field... line of scrimmage to the dbackfield.

But, what some fail to realize is that our (denver's) offense that year was completely stacked. Elway, TD, Shannon sharpe, rod smith, easy ed... it was a machine. They scored opening drive TD's with ease. Shanahan scripted 15 plays and they just walked down the field. They really dominated the time of possession (i dont have #s, its just my recollection) and went up BIG on teams to force them to throw and play catch up. This played right into the defenses hands as their undersized d-line could rush the passer and the db's could sit back in coverage. So he did a good job with the personnel he had... but didnt exactly "win" the sb for denver.

The problem I see (if that's his "typical" defense...) is that we have NO offense that we can count on yet.. and in a year again of a lot of transitioning, the defense will be asked to help more than their fair share. I don't think that with our personnel we can ask the defense for a lot, given that with all the guys we had last year, we stunk...

Last year we saw the effects of a worthless offense on what should have been a more solid defense.

I'm a little scared that we're going to get stuck with one more year of it...

All that said, i still think he's got more experience and is a much better hire than SShaf

[number2]

Uh, yeah. 8-0 in bowls and 2-0 in Super Bowls.

thanks dude...I dont know much about him nor have I had time to read up...todays the first day Ive really been able to catch up

[bigboyBlue]

thanks dude...I dont know much about him nor have I had time to read up...todays the first day Ive really been able to catch up

aww...............

[kofine05]

Robinson was the d-coordinator for denver's superbowl run 10 years ago and so I have some pretty specific memories of the defense's performance.

The defense he put on the field was a "bend dont break" type defense. They took chances and got burned from time to time.. but the key was the linebacker play. They regulated everythingo n the field... line of scrimmage to the dbackfield.

But, what some fail to realize is that our (denver's) offense that year was completely stacked. Elway, TD, Shannon sharpe, rod smith, easy ed... it was a machine. They scored opening drive TD's with ease. Shanahan scripted 15 plays and they just walked down the field. They really dominated the time of possession (i dont have #s, its just my recollection) and went up BIG on teams to force them to throw and play catch up. This played right into the defenses hands as their undersized d-line could rush the passer and the db's could sit back in coverage. So he did a good job with the personnel he had... but didnt exactly "win" the sb for denver.

The problem I see (if that's his "typical" defense...) is that we have NO offense that we can count on yet.. and in a year again of a lot of transitioning, the defense will be asked to help more than their fair share. I don't think that with our personnel we can ask the defense for a lot, given that with all the guys we had last year, we stunk...

Last year we saw the effects of a worthless offense on what should have been a more solid defense.

I'm a little scared that we're going to get stuck with one more year of it...

All that said, i still think he's got more experience and is a much better hire than SShaf

THe bend but dont break style of defense is a conservative style. The Defense sits back and prevents the offense from getting more than 4 yards per play. The "sitting back part" rules out potential risks of getting burned. Im trying to figure out if you are confused and meant to say he runs an attacking defense where LBs and DBs will stop covering their position and blitz into the backfield? If GR likes to attack I am all for that kind of defense. If he prefers to sit back that will be a complete change in philosophy from what kind of defense we ran this past year. I dont mean to rag on you, Im just trying to figure out the style of defense that he runs.

[rickyleach]

you cant go by what the man did at syracuse, i mean look at the talent pool at that school , i can see why they couldnt stop anyone, and besides, romeo crenell was great at new england and couldnt stop anyone at cleveland, head coaches in all sports are great at one place and stink at another, we all know it takes talent and alot of heart..

[bighousemike84]

To me the bottom line is this, Coach Rod spent the better part of a month to find(or settle on) Greg Robinson as DC. I trust that Coach Rod gave a full effort to find someone who he trusts and someone he believes can get the job done. Right now I trust that he made a good choice. I used to trust Coach Carr when he chose a coordinator but he proved me wrong

[AlwaysBlue]

THe bend but dont break style of defense is a conservative style. The Defense sits back and prevents the offense from getting more than 4 yards per play. The "sitting back part" rules out potential risks of getting burned. Im trying to figure out if you are confused and meant to say he runs an attacking defense where LBs and DBs will stop covering their position and blitz into the backfield? If GR likes to attack I am all for that kind of defense. If he prefers to sit back that will be a complete change in philosophy from what kind of defense we ran this past year. I dont mean to rag on you, Im just trying to figure out the style of defense that he runs.

what i was saying is that he had the luxury of an offense that would put up a lot of points. that gave him a cushion to take some chances on defense that i think he normally didn't like to do. so yes, i agree, it was a more conservative defense UNTIL they were out to big leads... thereby letting him loosen up a little.

my worry is that with our crappy offense potentially.. again.. he may stay in that shell of playing safe, playing off wr's... more zone reads..etc.. with that bend dont break mentality and thats gona kill us. then again, thats what we've seen here for years.

last year, i cant COUNT how many times on a short 3rd and 7 3rd and 6..etc.. we would start the play 10 yards off the receiver. it was ridiculous. they'd run 8 yard outs and pick it up every time. just embarassing. yes, its to protect our poor safeties and inexperienced corners (once cissoko started playing more) but.. cmon.. this is football 101.

i just hope robinson isnt "more of the same"... before the offense finally kicks in for 2010.

and given that basketball season may well be over now.. its time to refocus on realistic expectations for next year.

i cant believe that RR waited this long to end up with GRobinson. Me thinks he tried with at least 3-4 others before settling on robinson. Disappointing how far UM has fallen in the public eye.. at least from a football standpoint.

[Sten Carlson]

i cant believe that RR waited this long to end up with GRobinson. Me thinks he tried with at least 3-4 others before settling on robinson. Disappointing how far UM has fallen in the public eye.. at least from a football standpoint.

I disagree AlwaysBlue!

I expressed my opinion in here previously but nobody commented on it.

I think that RR had specific designs on what he wanted in a new DC after carefully and thoroughly analyzing the defensive performance not only last season, but in seasons past.

I'd be willing to bet that RR saw that the difference between a defense like the '97 defense, aside from Woodson being able to take away half the field, was simple fundamentals -- i.e., tackling and angles. Obviously, as we all witnessed last year, Shaffer wasn't all that much better at getting his players to understand the whys and wherefores of basic sound fundamental defense. You don't have to have some fancy scheme in place, and you do not have to confuse and terrorize the opposing QB if your defense is sure-tackling, disciplined, and takes proper angles of pursuit.

As such, I think RR decided on Robinson because he is going to take his defense back to basics, back to the foundations of sound fundamentals, and he wants someone a bit more seasoned in those principals than perhaps a younger coach. From what has been said in here, GR's defenses seem to be aggressive and attacking style, but I'd be willing to bet that if you spoke to the NFL players he coached they'd all say that he stressed Pop-Warner fundamentals above all else -- if you blitz and miss the tackle, you're almost worse off than if you hadn't blitzed the first place.

I look at GR as RR's General Friedrich Von Steuben who came in at Valley Forge and drilled the rag-tag Continental Army into a professional fighting force. Our defense has needed a serious kick in the ass for over a decade -- and it's not been for lack of talent as is evidenced by the numerous Michigan Men in the NFL playoffs on the defensive side of the ball. We've had our star performers, but our TEAM defense has been terrible. Defense, even more than offense, is a team thing, and it is essential that all links in the chain be strong and capable of standing up to attack. We've not had that -- we've had great DL play, and terrible secondary and average LBs.

I see GR sticking around for three or four seasons, and then promoting someone from within the program that is going to lead in the hard-nosed, fundamentally sound image that he'll hopefully leave!

I am excited about the hire as he is not an unknown, he is an experienced leader that will be a great asset to RR and what he is trying to do at Michigan!

Go Blue!

[tpilews]

Sten, I think everything you said was perfect. RR is not settling. Instead, he's taking a guy with tons of experience, both in the nfl and in college. Experience that will be able to adapt to the team that they are playing while still being their own identity.

[1OSUNUT]

Question: Would you rather have a young guy who is hungry to prove himself that will stay multiple years OR a guy who may (may not) provide a quick fix but may have an eye at a head coaching or NFL job sooner then later ?

[Sten Carlson]

Question: Would you rather have a young guy who is hungry to prove himself that will stay multiple years OR a guy who may (may not) provide a quick fix but may have an eye at a head coaching or NFL job sooner then later ?

I think you're mischaracterizing the permanence with which head coaches view their assistant coaching positions. RR, nor any realistic head coach, has no delusions about his DC having an "eye at a head coaching or NFL job..." that's the nature of the business.

However, with a guy like Robinson, you're getting someone that might not be as hungry to climb the ladder, as he's already been there and done that, but is 100% on board with coming in as a hired gun, doing his job, and then if available, moving up to another HC or NFL job. Yes, a young go-getter seems appealing in many instances, however, they're just as likely (if not more) likely to get their shot at a HC or NFL position, if not more likely. Plus, you run the risk of failure that you always run when going with an unknown commodity.

No, I think RR and GR privately have a very concise plan and timetable established concerning this hire. Come in, recruit recruit recruit, break the defense down to the core, and then build it back up as a hard-nosed, fundamentally sound, disciplined TEAM defense! GR being a mature veteran, might have the patience to tell his agent to tell everyone he's not entertaining offers for the next few seasons -- until the job at Michigan is done.

To be honest, the fact that GR took the job evidences the great respect that RR garners from his peers, and perhaps the fact that GR doesn't want another head coaching position, nor after winning super bowls, another NFL position. Maybe he wants to be in the game, but not in the limelight as a HC, who knows?

But, I will say this as an near certainty, on both sides of the ball, Michigan 2009 will in no way resemble Michigan 2008!

Go Blue!

[Blue In Ohio]

I have to agree with Sten. This is a sound hire from my perspective. I'm not sure how much better we could expect. Right now is not the time to be taking a gamble on an up and coming dc because Michigan needs some immediate sucess to silence the naysayers. I'd rather go with the experience and get back to good fundamentals. I'd like to see our guys stop missing so many tackles. Watching some of the other teams in the big ten and then watching Michigan over the last few years and the missing tackles problem is very evident at Michigan. Hopefully this guy can come in and focus on the fundamental stuff that wins ball games.

[BBA1994]

I have to agree with Sten. This is a sound hire from my perspective. I'm not sure how much better we could expect. Right now is not the time to be taking a gamble on an up and coming dc because Michigan needs some immediate sucess to silence the naysayers. I'd rather go with the experience and get back to good fundamentals. I'd like to see our guys stop missing so many tackles. Watching some of the other teams in the big ten and then watching Michigan over the last few years and the missing tackles problem is very evident at Michigan. Hopefully this guy can come in and focus on the fundamental stuff that wins ball games.

Agreed! UM needs an immediate experienced impact on the D side of the ball. Sure GR may only be there for a couple of years but if he can lay the foundation for a fundamentally solid defense perhaps then could RR take a flier on a young DC but for now, UM needs experience which is what they get with GR.

[Don Unverferth]

I wouldn't give a whole lot of weight to his record in the professional ranks – major differences between being defensive coordinator in the pros and at the college level.

It's interesting that his bio says he was the defensive coordinator 3 of the 4 years he was at Syracuse and last year he split duties with another coach.

I can't help but think that the biggest loss upon Rodriguez's hire was Ron English. He had the corner about turned from revamping Jim Herrmans 3 - 4.

[Shane Falco]

I wouldn't give a whole lot of weight to his record in the professional ranks – major differences between being defensive coordinator in the pros and at the college level.

It's interesting that his bio says he was the defensive coordinator 3 of the 4 years he was at Syracuse and last year he split duties with another coach.

I can't help but think that the biggest loss upon Rodriguez's hire was Ron English. He had the corner about turned from revamping Jim Herrmans 3 - 4.

They could have hired Tony Dungy as the DC and you would bad mouth it so who gives a sh*t what you think.

And I wish everyone would quit talking about Ron English. I like English but he is the same guy who's defense gave up 34 to App.St, 39 to Oregon, 37 to Wisky and 35 to Florida.

[AlwaysBlue]

I disagree AlwaysBlue!

I expressed my opinion in here previously but nobody commented on it.

I think that RR had specific designs on what he wanted in a new DC after carefully and thoroughly analyzing the defensive performance not only last season, but in seasons past.

I'd be willing to bet that RR saw that the difference between a defense like the '97 defense, aside from Woodson being able to take away half the field, was simple fundamentals -- i.e., tackling and angles. Obviously, as we all witnessed last year, Shaffer wasn't all that much better at getting his players to understand the whys and wherefores of basic sound fundamental defense. You don't have to have some fancy scheme in place, and you do not have to confuse and terrorize the opposing QB if your defense is sure-tackling, disciplined, and takes proper angles of pursuit.

As such, I think RR decided on Robinson because he is going to take his defense back to basics, back to the foundations of sound fundamentals, and he wants someone a bit more seasoned in those principals than perhaps a younger coach. From what has been said in here, GR's defenses seem to be aggressive and attacking style, but I'd be willing to bet that if you spoke to the NFL players he coached they'd all say that he stressed Pop-Warner fundamentals above all else -- if you blitz and miss the tackle, you're almost worse off than if you hadn't blitzed the first place.

I look at GR as RR's General Friedrich Von Steuben who came in at Valley Forge and drilled the rag-tag Continental Army into a professional fighting force. Our defense has needed a serious kick in the ass for over a decade -- and it's not been for lack of talent as is evidenced by the numerous Michigan Men in the NFL playoffs on the defensive side of the ball. We've had our star performers, but our TEAM defense has been terrible. Defense, even more than offense, is a team thing, and it is essential that all links in the chain be strong and capable of standing up to attack. We've not had that -- we've had great DL play, and terrible secondary and average LBs.

I see GR sticking around for three or four seasons, and then promoting someone from within the program that is going to lead in the hard-nosed, fundamentally sound image that he'll hopefully leave!

I am excited about the hire as he is not an unknown, he is an experienced leader that will be a great asset to RR and what he is trying to do at Michigan!

Go Blue!

I hope you're right. I'm just going off what I remember and what I've read about him as a coach. People have lots of good things tos ay about him (those involved with programs), yet people who are fans of or watch those programs are not as impressed.

Seems like a "good guy".. but that's not enough.

I hope he's exactly what you said... re-establishes a new sense of importance in tackling, good angles to the ball, hitting and discipline. My issue is that we've been begging for that for YEARS. Even in 06 with our sick defense, we couldn't adjust to OSU and then totally tanked against USC, who may or may not have been better, but were certainly not so much better that we couldn't have made it a game. We had poor missed tackles, dumb penalties, etc..etc..et.c... and it seems like that never goes away.

I see donovan warren and even cissoko now instead of wrapping up they come up and pop a guy with the shoulder. thats NOT TACKLING. Hit him low with your shoulder, drive him back and wrap up. Instead we bump guys and they either stay on their feet, drive thru us, or at worst, fall forward for another few yards.

Poor poor fundamentals. I'm all about the fundamentals... so I hope GR brings some of that back.

And, of course, the last huge thing... is adjustments. If things aren't working, FIX THEM. That, I think he can do well.

[BLEEDINGBLUE]

They could have hired Tony Dungy as the DC and you would bad mouth it so who gives a sh*t what you think.

And I wish everyone would quit talking about Ron English. I like English but he is the same guy who's defense gave up 34 to App.St, 39 to Oregon, 37 to Wisky and 35 to Florida.

Not to mention 63 this year to Rutgers!

[bleed maize & blue]

I would love to see Michigan go back to the 3-4 defense and zone blitz the hell out of teams. The more agressive the defense the better I feel. This concept of bend but dont break is Horse crap!!! Get a big ole beefy nose tackle and plop his big but in the middle and force teams to ue two or three guys to block him and let the LB's kill people, Just my thoughts anyway

[BLEEDINGBLUE]

I would love to see Michigan go back to the 3-4 defense and zone blitz the hell out of teams. The more agressive the defense the better I feel. This concept of bend but dont break is Horse crap!!! Get a big ole beefy nose tackle and plop his big but in the middle and force teams to ue two or three guys to block him and let the LB's kill people, Just my thoughts anyway

That is a great point. I loved how Spagnuolo and the Giants D would blitz the hell out of teams once in the red zone. I don't know why he got away with that style because it hurt us towards the end of the season. I would love to see that with the Wolverines.

[bigboyBlue]

GRob gave an interview before the bball game tonight. Am sure the whole thing will come out sometime, but I found it interesting when he said that he approached RRod about the position. FWIW.