Michigan OL Chuck Filiaga: We're tired of people blaming the offensive line
It’s no secret that Michigan’s offensive line has taken plenty of criticism throughout the Jim Harbaugh era.
Michigan’s inability to run the ball against elite foes has proven to be costly, especially last year. In losses to Michigan State and Ohio State, Michigan failed to reach 3 yards per carry. The Wolverines also ranked No. 110 in sacks allowed.
Chuck Filiaga has only been in Ann Arbor for a year, but he already got a good sense of that public criticism.
The former U.S. Army All-American shared some candid thoughts about the perception of Michigan’s offensive line heading into 2018.
“With everybody coming out and blaming the O-line last year, this year we’re just tired of all that nonsense talk blaming it on one group of people,” Filiaga told the Detroit News. “It’s a team effort and right now, this year, our offensive line is pissed off. We’re tired of people blaming us. So we’re going to come out and smack people in the mouth.”
Michigan returns 2 starters, with the likes of promising underclassmen like Filiaga, Cesar Ruiz and James Hudson looking to establish bigger roles. The Wolverines also brought in former Ohio State assistant Ed Warinner to coach the offensive line, which has gotten rave reviews so far.
If Michigan is able to get over the hump in 2018, it feels like it’ll have to start up front. That’s not lost on Filiaga.
“We make sure to remind each other every day that this year we’re not going to be like us last year,” Filiaga said. “This year we’re going to be different. We’re going to have that grit mentality.”