Michigan football’s Wink Martindale refutes the inaccurate narrative about his blitz-heavy defensive strategy.
Michigan football defensive coordinator Wink Martindale is once again addressing misconceptions about his defensive strategies.
During an appearance on “The L.A.B Podcast” earlier this offseason, Martindale rejected what he called lazy comparisons to former U-M defensive coordinator Don Brown, known for his aggressive blitzing. This week, he further challenged the narrative surrounding his approach to blitzing and the statistics associated with it.
Martindale, who recently returned to college football after a lengthy NFL career, emphasized that the blitzing percentages reported by analysts do not accurately reflect his tactics. “It’s a narrative people have created about me, which is fine because it keeps offenses on their toes,” he explained, clarifying that not every rush that appears aggressive is a true blitz.
Despite the statistics showing a decrease in blitzing against USC, where they blitzed on only 27.3% of dropbacks, Martindale stood by his game plan, insisting that the numbers often misrepresent the complexities of defensive plays. He criticized analysts for misunderstanding the differences between pressures and traditional four-man rushes, comparing it to a lack of expertise in journalism.
Martindale highlighted his players’ strong performance against USC, including 10 pressures and multiple tackles for loss, and praised standout defenders like Josaiah Stewart and Derrick Moore, while asserting that the team’s success hinges on collective effort, not just individual achievements.
Looking ahead, Martindale plans to adapt his strategies for the upcoming game against Minnesota, emphasizing the need for situational awareness and adjustments based on the opponent’s style. Ultimately, his goal remains focused on winning, aiming for a 1-0 record each week.
