Gophers expect a ‘violent’ defense, but how much blitzing should fans expect?

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The Gophers expect to employ a "violent" defense in 2023, but the amount of blitzing they'll do is still up in the air.

Defensive coordinator Joe Rossi said he wants his defense to be "fast, physical and violent," but he also wants to be "unpredictable." That means mixing up their blitzes and not letting offenses know what's coming.

How much blitzing should fans expect?

Rossi said he doesn't want to "blitz every down," but he also doesn't want to be "predictable." He said he'll blitz "when it makes sense" and that he'll be "aggressive" but not "reckless."

Last season, the Gophers blitzed on 31.3% of their defensive snaps, which was 10th in the Big Ten. Rossi said he expects that number to increase in 2023.

What kind of blitzes can fans expect?

Rossi said he'll use a variety of blitzes, including "fire" blitzes, which bring pressure from multiple directions, and "stunt" blitzes, which involve linemen twisting and looping to create confusion.

Who will be blitzing?

Rossi said he has a number of players who are capable of blitzing, including linebackers Jack Gibbens and Cody Lindenberg, and safeties Tyler Nubin and Michael Dixon.

What are the risks of blitzing?

Blitzing can be effective in creating pressure on the quarterback, but it also comes with some risks. If the blitz is picked up, it can leave the defense vulnerable to big plays.

Rossi said he's aware of the risks of blitzing, but he believes that the rewards outweigh the risks.

"We want to be a defense that creates turnovers and sacks," Rossi said. "We're not going to be afraid to blitz to do that."