What Michigan defense is working to improve after Maryland, ahead of Iowa
The Michigan Wolverines football defense was finally tested last weekend against Maryland. While the Maize and Blue got the win, Maryland had success and made it a close game. There’s plenty to clean up heading into Game 5 at Iowa.
Michigan missed 7 tackles, per Pro Football Focus (PFF), which helped Maryland gain 397 total yards, 269 through the air and 128 on the ground.
It’s certainly possible that Maryland touts the best passing attack the Wolverines will face until taking on arch rival Ohio State Nov. 26 in Columbus. But the Wolverines know they still need to be better this weekend and going forward.
“Definitely communication,” Michigan junior safety R.J. Moten said after being asked what the areas of focus are this week. “I feel like sometimes we were out there and we weren’t as communicative as we should’ve been. A whole bunch of us — I had a missed tackle. Angles on the ball, being able to force more turnovers, just getting lined up faster when teams try to tempo us.”
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From the defensive line to the secondary players, Michigan’s defense will have to tackle much better against an Iowa team that lines up in heavy sets and runs the ball.
“Just being able to run fit,” Michigan senior cornerback DJ Turner said of the keys against Iowa. “As corners, some games you might not have to tackle a lot, but this is one of these games where you might have to fit and replace. Just execution and being disciplined would be the main things.”
Tackling is a day one fundamental, but it can still be practiced throughout the season. It’s certainly an emphasis this week.
“Just pursuing, practicing pursuing, practicing wrapping up, practicing gaining ground in an open-field tackle, just certain drills during the week to prepare you more that you might not have had last week,” Turner explained.
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Iowa ranks dead last nationally in total offense. The Hawkeyes have scored just 5 offensive touchdowns in four games. But Michigan’s defense is still taking it as a serious challenge.
“You cannot take that team lightly or take them for granted,” Moten said. “So basically, our focus is just to stop the run this week and get them to throw the ball. They only have a certain amount of pass plays. We know who their quarterback favors. Basically, we’ve got to stop the run and get them into those 2nd and long, 3rd and long situations, where we can let the rushers rush and us cover.”
Iowa quarterback Spencer Petras‘ favorite target has long been tight end Sam LaPorta, who’s leading the team with 16 catches for 154 yards. Moten and the Michigan safeties will in large part be tasked with attempting to slow down LaPorta and the Iowa tight ends.
“Physicality. Being able to use your hands at the top of routes,” Moten said of how cover tight ends. “They like to push off a little bit or use their body to be able to box out, so it’s really just stopping them at the line and getting in their head just a little bit.
“I like to talk trash, so I’ll for sure talk a little trash to them.
“It’s a big responsibility, especially this week. Most of our safeties were lined up against tight ends in certain situations, knowing that they like to single him, back side, back side ‘X.’ It’ll be a big challenge for us this week.”
