Chris and Doug:
Your "In the trenches segment" is a wonderfully produced series that I, along with many fellow subscribers, enjoy and value.
As a longtime Wolverine fan that never played football, the series has improved my understanding of the game and provided me a new perspective on the team's performance. I am probably not the only fan that has underappreciated the impact of proper technique and coaching on a game's outcome. I would previously attribute a game's outcome to the winning team's superiority in raw physical traits, such as size and speed. I have learned from your series, that beyond a minimum standard of physical characteristics, that the quality of line play hinges on linemen's angles, pad level, eye position etc. These inputs clearly underscore the importance of coaching and player's commitment to practice and understanding the playbook.
In addition to improving a fan's understanding of the game's fundamentals, the success of your series can also be attributed to your rapport. Chris' understated style is a perfect complement to Skene's passionate and colorful commentary.
I should also add that listening to Doug has provided me a sense as to why Michigan produced great offensive lines under the Bo and Lloyd Carr years. Michigan was fortunate to have coaches who understood the importance of proper technique and were committed to nothing less than perfect execution from their players. This coaching philosophy all began with Bo who instilled a culture that emphasized hard work and a commitment to excellence. I know understand that bringing a ruler on the field to measure distance between lineman was not such a crazy idea. However, it was not just great coaching. Bo and Lloyd recruited players, like Skene, who were smart and willing to make the sacrifices in practice and playbook study to ensure perfection in games.
I think that you have an opportunity to leverage your partnership and produce a variety of segments appealing to Michigan fans. Examples that come to mind include:
Thanks and Go Blue!
Andrew, BA 1985, MBA 1991
Your "In the trenches segment" is a wonderfully produced series that I, along with many fellow subscribers, enjoy and value.
As a longtime Wolverine fan that never played football, the series has improved my understanding of the game and provided me a new perspective on the team's performance. I am probably not the only fan that has underappreciated the impact of proper technique and coaching on a game's outcome. I would previously attribute a game's outcome to the winning team's superiority in raw physical traits, such as size and speed. I have learned from your series, that beyond a minimum standard of physical characteristics, that the quality of line play hinges on linemen's angles, pad level, eye position etc. These inputs clearly underscore the importance of coaching and player's commitment to practice and understanding the playbook.
In addition to improving a fan's understanding of the game's fundamentals, the success of your series can also be attributed to your rapport. Chris' understated style is a perfect complement to Skene's passionate and colorful commentary.
I should also add that listening to Doug has provided me a sense as to why Michigan produced great offensive lines under the Bo and Lloyd Carr years. Michigan was fortunate to have coaches who understood the importance of proper technique and were committed to nothing less than perfect execution from their players. This coaching philosophy all began with Bo who instilled a culture that emphasized hard work and a commitment to excellence. I know understand that bringing a ruler on the field to measure distance between lineman was not such a crazy idea. However, it was not just great coaching. Bo and Lloyd recruited players, like Skene, who were smart and willing to make the sacrifices in practice and playbook study to ensure perfection in games.
I think that you have an opportunity to leverage your partnership and produce a variety of segments appealing to Michigan fans. Examples that come to mind include:
- a hour long segment at the beginning of the season Doug where provides a tutorial on the basics of line play including core offensive line formations and blocks
- segments dedicated to the review of offensive line on passing and running plays
- an extension of the series to the defensive side of the ball where Doug's could provide review and commentary on Michigan's defensive line
Thanks and Go Blue!
Andrew, BA 1985, MBA 1991
