Matt Hartwell covers all things Michigan football related for Maize n Brew and runs the social media accounts.
As Michigan prepares for the upcoming clash against the Washington Huskies, linebackers coach Brian Jean-Mary discussed the challenges his unit faces against a dynamic Washington offense led by quarterback Will Rogers.
Speaking with reporters on Wednesday, Jean-Mary highlighted the importance of discipline and preparation for what he expects to be a tough battle on the defensive side.
"Yes, they have some really dynamic pieces," Jean-Mary said. "Coach (Jedd) Fisch and their offensive staff, we have a lot of respect for them in this building. He did a lot of really good things when he was (at Michigan). The quarterback is who stands out. Got a chance to watch him in (the SEC). He's very accurate, like a coach on the field, Will Rogers is. We're going to have to do a great job of slowing him down."
Jean-Mary emphasized that Rogers' accuracy and football IQ make him a game-breaker. Rogers previously played under the late Mike Leach at Mississippi State, where he thrived in the air raid offense, a system known for quick passes and spreading the field. Jean-Mary, who had seen Rogers on tape while coaching at Tennessee, noted Rogers' ability to deliver the ball on time and make quick decisions under pressure.
"Saw a little bit of him in crossover tape," Jean-Mary said. "We didn't get a chance to go against him. Obviously, with the system they had with coach Leach, may he rest in peace, we always had a chance to watch how people defended them and saw the accuracy, saw the ball delivery as far as getting the ball out on time. Just the things that you see from experienced quarterbacks. I have a lot of respect for him, and I think that's carried over to Washington."
One of the key areas of focus for Michigan will be dealing with Washington's quick-strike offense. Jean-Mary expects the Huskies to counter Michigan's pass rush with screen passes and quick throws designed to get the ball to their skill players in space.
"They throw screens. They have some dynamic guys in space," Jean-Mary said. "Screens are two-fold. Because of the pressure we can get on defense, whether it's a four-man rush or a blitz that gets the ball out of the quarterback's hands, and then it gets the ball, in their minds, in the athletic skill guy's hands to see what he can do with it."
Jean-Mary recognizes the Wolverines' opponents are increasingly targeting their defense by employing faster-paced schemes. He believes that while they have generally managed to stay organized during uptempo situations, there is always room for improvement.
"We don't feel like the tempo has been as much of an issue," Jean-Mary said. "We feel like we've been able to get lined up most of the time, and we haven't been necessarily out of position because of the tempo. Now we have to get ourselves in better positions sometimes, recognizing formations and putting ourselves in the best position to be successful.