The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/362774
NFL history. Manning, a Heisman Trophy runner-up in '97 and the NFL MVP in 2014, shattered league records for passing touchdowns (55) and yardage (5,477). How could underdog Seattle hope to combat those numbers? Easy — with a punch in the nose, followed by more pressure than Manning has seen since fighting for the last donut at Archie's breakfast table. Denver's previously irresistible force surrendered a safety in the opening 12 seconds of the game. The Broncos went on to get rolled 43-8, with the Seahawks defenders coming away steamed that the shutout escaped them. Another example hits closer to home, obviously. Those watching Michigan State's offense in September 2013 were literally laughing at it, wondering how even a great defense could get this team to .500. They found out. The Spartans turned a wide- receiver-manhandling, quarterback- brutalizing, we're-coming-and-you- can't-stop-us approach into a Big Ten title, Rose Bowl win and one of the best seasons ever in East Lansing. Along the way, MSU's offense became adequate — and Mark Dantonio's crew needed nothing more. Michigan defensive coordinator Greg Mattison figures the Wolverines are at the point where they can get after it more, pressing receivers to get quarterbacks out of the three-step drops which gashed U-M too often last year. He and Hoke both know it's time to turn up the heat. "Hopefully, you see the aggressiveness in base defense as well as when we do pressure," Mattison said. "It's easier for our guys to run to the football than it has been in the past. They understand that's how they're going to play. "The aggressiveness part of it is that everyone wants to get in on the hits as thinking you're supposed to get over there. The pressure, the way our secondary is playing — they're more aggressive. They're trying to get on guys a little tighter, and all those things." The Wolverines feature nine that started at least five games on defense a year ago. They're looking hard at supremely talented true freshman Jabrill Peppers at the nickel back spot. "We feel very strongly about this defense," Mattison said. "You guys that know me and have been around for four years know that I wouldn't just say that. And I say that because of how they've practiced, how they've worked, and the guys and the chemistry in that group." Michigan's offense intends to be much more than adequate. But question marks linger about how soon it will come together. In the meantime, the Wolverines on defense have to make the kind of difference that turns heads — sometimes forcibly. If they do so from the beginning, the 2014 season takes on a dramatically altered look. Hoke knows it, better than anyone. ❏ Editor John Borton has been with The Wolverine since 1991. Contact him at jborton@thewolverine.com and follow him on Twitter @JB _ Wolverine.