Expert: Thom Brooks - 10/6/2009

Question
Dear Expert Thom Brooks:

I am a Michigan Wolverines fan.  Some years ago we lost to
Colorado on a hail Mary play. We lost around 1996.

The problem I have is how the defense defends the play.  Basically
on that Hail Mary play, Michigan left 3 Defensive lineman
and the rest of the team went deep to cover the wide receivers.  What bothers me when the Defense chooses to run this type of format, nobody really put pressure on the Quarterback. So the QB
has time to think.
What I would have done was put a Cornerback Blitz or something like that.  Have someone rush in.


Question:

How would you defend a Hail Mary Pass Play?

Thanks for your help.

Answer
Ashwin, hello!

I remember that play........   

It's a judgement call by the Coaches.  It would depend on what kind of Defense you have.  Would they be better to rush the passer or is the best defense on the team if everyone meets in the end zone and have your basketball player "sky" one down..........  I don't know the percentage of Hail Mary plays but a good team would know what THEIR chances are by using or not using one.  

In those final seconds, everyone is tired and frantic.  So, each team would have their attitude about how to defend a Hail Mary.  Even if their DB's and Deep Safety played back, it comes down to that Jump Ball at the end...........  If you had a terrific DL that could rush the ball, then I'd prefer to let them Bull Rush the Quarterback.  

I coach a men's baseball team in Savannah in the Savannah Adult Men's Baseball League.  We've won our League's title for 3 of the past 4 years and just made it to the Best of Three finals again this month.  So, we are going to get a chance to continue the dynasty.  One of our team Captains is a great leader and wears his dumb Wolverine cap to the game every week, (but not during he game0,  One of my Insurance school students gave me a book on "BO" and another gave me a Michigan program.  
I'm a Georgia and Florida State and Georgia Southern fan but love Michigan's tradition, along with Ohio State!
If you ever email me I can mail you a copy of this program if it appears to be worthy for you.  I'm giving our player the program this month.  I even bought him a Michigan Sweat Shirt.  I love Fan Loyalty.  





Take Care,

Thom Brooks
BrooksInsuranceSchool.com

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