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PFF Grades: Michigan's Top Defensive Performers In Win Over Rutgers
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- PFF Grades: Michigan's Top Defensive Performers In Win Over Rutgers
(IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
When you look at the final score in Michigan's 28-21 win over Rutgers, it's clear that the Wolverines' defense had its ups and downs. Kyle Whittingham and Co. allowed 21 points in the first half, but Jay Hill's defense completely shut down the Scarlet Knights after halftime. For the second consecutive week, Michigan didn't allow a completed pass in the second half, helping the Wolverines escape with a much-needed victory. The defense finished with two sacks and four tackles for loss while holding Rutgers to just 123 passing yards. It wasn't a perfect performance, but the second-half adjustments were outstanding.
In a close game like Saturday's, using a tool like Pro Football Focus allows us to see what happened on a player-by-player basis and gives some insight as to how it really went. It's not gospel, but there are some things that just don't show up in the box score that can tell another part of the story.
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Top Three Defensive Performers (25 snap minimum)
1. LB Chase Taylor - 75.5
Taylor was Michigan's highest-graded defensive player, earning a 75.5 overall grade across 29 defensive snaps. He was particularly effective against the run, posting a 74.2 run-defense grade, while also earning a 76.0 tackling grade. Taylor was also productive as a pass rusher, earning a 71.8 grade while generating two quarterback pressures, including a sack and a quarterback hit. He finished with one tackle and one defensive stop according to PFF. His ability to contribute in multiple areas made him Michigan's highest-graded defender.
2. DT Jonah La'ea - 72.1
La'ea earned Michigan's second-highest defensive grade at 72.1 across 27 snaps. He was particularly effective against the run, posting a 74.9 run-defense grade and a 72.2 tackling grade. La'ea finished with one tackle and was credited with one defensive stop by PFF. He also earned a 55.9 pass-rushing grade across 10 pass-rushing snaps. While his statistical production wasn't overwhelming, PFF clearly liked his work along the defensive front, particularly against Rutgers' rushing attack.
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3. DT Enow Etta - 71.7
Etta rounded out Michigan's top three with a 71.7 overall defensive grade across 32 snaps. He earned a 65.1 run-defense grade and an impressive 74.8 tackling grade. His biggest contribution came as a pass rusher, where he generated two quarterback pressures, including a sack and a batted pass. Etta finished with two tackles and a tackle for loss according to the official box score. His ability to create disruption along the defensive line was an important part of Michigan's second-half defensive success.
Interesting Notes
Michigan's pass rush generated 14 total quarterback pressures according to PFF, including three sacks, five quarterback hits and six hurries. Nate Marshall led the team with three pressures despite playing just 12 defensive snaps. Taylor, Etta, Troy Bowles and Chris Bracy each generated two pressures.
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Michigan's secondary had some significant struggles according to PFF. Smith Snowden earned an 83.1 pass-rushing grade, but his 55.4 coverage grade was considerably lower. He was targeted three times, allowing one reception for 80 yards and a touchdown. Snowden fell down on the play allowing the receiver to get behind him for the long score.
Chris Bracy had a particularly rough afternoon despite recording six tackles and a sack. He finished with a 44.9 overall defensive grade and a 34.4 coverage grade. Nathaniel Staehling earned Michigan's lowest overall defensive grade at 40.4, along with a team-low 29.5 coverage grade.
