There is one thing that very few, if any, would argue about what Coach Rodriguez has done for the Michigan Wolverines: the team as a whole is faster than previous versions. No more lumbering linemen (or quarterbacks, for those of you that can remember John Navarre being outran by his line on a wide receiver throwback screen.) Rodriguezβs players are quicker and generally more athletic than previous seasons, and from the looks of this seasonβs Spring Practices so far, his defense will add a scheme to utilize that speed.
Defensive coach Greg Robinson is implementing a 3β3β5 defense to the overall scheme for the Wolverines. Basically, the 3β3β5 is designed to use more defensive backs to help cover the spread offenseβs multiple receiver options. Three down linemen are used to stop the run, three linebackers are to help either with the run or the pass (or to blitz) and the five defensive backs cover potential receivers and are also used to run unusual blitzes or deeper zones. The National Football League generally does not employ this defense, preferring instead to go with what is called a nickel defense (4β2β5), taking away a linebacker for an added defensive lineman to assist in stopping an opponents running game (and possibly to add more pressure to the quarterback without blitzing), or a dime defense (4 β1β6 or 3β2β6) for plays where running the ball really is not an option.
When Rich Rodriguez was first hired by Michigan, I wondered how long it would take for this defense to make an appearance. It was a highly successful tool for Rodriguez down in West Virginia, and definitely fits his style of player better than the standard 3β4 or 4β3 defenses. Also, the secondary has been a bit of a weakness for recent teams. Rodriguez recruits athletes that are considered more of secondary players rather than linebackers or linemen. Having more of the type of player you recruit for on the field makes sense, especially when you play them in a scheme that utilizes their talents.
Like everything new or unusual in sports, getting adjusted to the new scheme will take time, but I believe that, used properly, the 3β3β5 can be a great tool for Michigan. I do not think, however, that it should be the standard from which the rest of the defense starts. The Big Ten is a conference that prides itself on being a punishing, pound-you-into-the-ground conference. Its teams have been more focused on running the ball, and they generally do it right down the middle. While some schools are beginning to go away from this philosophy and are starting to adopt spread offenses, lining up with two tight ends and running between the tackles will always define the Big Ten. Having a defensive style that cannot stop this type of attack will be a liability in the long run. However, having a standard 4β3 to stop the run and a 3β3β5 to cover the emerging spread could put Michigan ahead of the curve. Hopefully, that is exactly where Greg Robinson is heading.
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