3rd and Short This Year

[Auger]

This was a problem area on the team last year at the RB spot. Last year Daniels was 4 for 11 on 3rd down conversions of 3 yards or less which ranked worst in the B1G. Canzeri wasnt much better as he was 5 of 12 and was also towards the bottom. This led to Iowa running Beathard more on 3rd and short which could have also led to him breaking down more as the season wore on. Beathard was actually our best as he converted 15 of 16. I don't think Iowa wants to use Beathard a lot this year on 3rd and short and exposing him to the D's front 7.

I actually think we will be improved as Daniels to me looks a step quicker and that was the problem for him last year. By the time he got to the line of scrimmage the holes (if there was any) were closed and the D was squared up to him. For a big guy Daniels doesnt run over guys like Greene and to some extend Coker did so he needs to hit the holes while the D is still slightly off balance. I also think Meyers moving to guard could improve the line. Meyers was a solid run blocker just not the best edge pass blocker. I think we could see Meyers thrive on the inside with the zone blocking scheme. It wont hurt either that Croston, J. Daniels, Welsch and Boettger have another year under them as well. Bottom line our O left the field far to often last season due to failed 3rd and shorts or even because of failed 2nd and shorts if our RB's can improve this year it will be a big step forward from what was already a pretty good last season.

 

[Pepperman]

I am not sure how to prove this, but I've wondered if maybe zone blocking is less effective in those situations. Anybody with more Xs and Os knowledge care to try that one?

 

[BGHAWK]

This has been a problem for several years. My opinion is that on 3rd and 1 or 2, Iowa shifts from their spread offense (yeah I know we don't have a spread per se) and remove WRs and bring in TEs and bunch our offense up and basically tell the defense, we're going to run it up the middle. It gets stuffed more times than not. I am no expert, but I cannot for the life of me understand why the staff cannot see this. They send a message we are going to run it. Gee, I wonder how the defense figures that out?

 

[Auger]

I am not sure how to prove this, but I've wondered if maybe zone blocking is less effective in those situations. Anybody with more Xs and Os knowledge care to try that one?

Zone blocking still works for inside runs and short yardage.

 

[hexumhawk]

I am not sure how to prove this, but I've wondered if maybe zone blocking is less effective in those situations. Anybody with more Xs and Os knowledge care to try that one?

This is true. I think you have seen them go more towards some trap plays in those situations lately. A lot of it will come down to line recognition with CJB because we have some high tenancies when it comes to 3 and short and teams generally run blitz us.

I would like to see some more roll outs or slants mixed in since we are usually getting 1 on 1 coverage 3rd and 3 and in.

 

[Auger]

This is true. I think you have seen them go more towards some trap plays in those situations lately. A lot of it will come down to line recognition with CJB because we have some high tenancies when it comes to 3 and short and teams generally run blitz us.

I would like to see some more roll outs or slants mixed in since we are usually getting 1 on 1 coverage 3rd and 3 and in.

Zone blocking still works and is run by the Iowa staff in short yardage. Trap plays are a close relationship with zone blocking. I think Iowa had a lot a green experience on the line last year. Zone blocking requires a guy to decide who is in their zone and who if there are more then one to block. If you have a LB and a slanting DL in your zone or path you are to know which one you're suppose to block even if it means tag teaming one guy and leaving the other unblocked for the FB. I know its very complex and takes great coaching. Thats why you only see about 25% of college teams do it but why 80% of NFL teams do it. If everyone is on the same page and doing what they a suppose to be doing it will defeat more times than not whatever type of D. In college some teams do a great job of changing their formations and confusing less experienced OL'men. I remember a few plays last year where 2 or even 3 Iowa guys were blocking 1 opponent while other guys left unblocked were making the tackles.

 

[David1979]

I actually think Wadley can do well in short yardage situations. He knows how to get skinny through the hole. For all the hope that Daniels will emerge as a Greene type back. he just hasn't shown he can do it. It's like one step forward two steps back with him.

 

[Auger]

I actually think Wadley can do well in short yardage situations. He knows how to get skinny through the hole. For all the hope that Daniels will emerge as a Greene type back. he just hasn't shown he can do it. It's like one step forward two steps back with him.

Yeah a lot of guys see Daniels size and they assume he can be like Greene but Greene had some quick feet and knew angles and how to shift your body to drive into guys. Daniels last year seemed a step slower and instead of knowing how to drive into people like Greene he just seemed to run into them.

 

[David1979]

Yeah a lot of guys see Daniels size and they assume he can be like Greene but Greene had some quick feet and knew angles and how to shift your body to drive into guys. Daniels last year seemed a step slower and instead of knowing how to drive into people like Greene he just seemed to run into them.

Yeah I kind of wonder if Daniels is one of those kids who does great in practice when the pressure isn't on but then during a game he starts getting in his own head too much and isn't the same player. Cause you will see flashes of him being pretty good only to look completely horrible if things aren't going well or if he feels the slightest bit hurt. He was the only back in the top 4 that averaged under 5 yards a carry last year. Canzeri was at 5.5, Wadley at 6 and Mitchell at 6.5 (with only 25 carries though)

 

[DogBoyRy]

Yeah I kind of wonder if Daniels is one of those kids who does great in practice when the pressure isn't on but then during a game he starts getting in his own head too much and isn't the same player. Cause you will see flashes of him being pretty good only to look completely horrible if things aren't going well or if he feels the slightest bit hurt. He was the only back in the top 4 that averaged under 5 yards a carry last year. Canzeri was at 5.5, Wadley at 6 and Mitchell at 6.5 (with only 25 carries though)

Daniels was close to 100% for about 2 games last year.
He was about 80% for Minny and a couple others.
Coaches love his potential if he can get to 100% - trust me.

 

[David1979]

Daniels was close to 100% for about 2 games last year.
He was about 80% for Minny and a couple others.
Coaches love his potential if he can get to 100% - trust me.

You aren't going to be 100% in most games if you play football.

 

[bocahawk2]

I like wadley in short yardage situations. You don't need to be huge to be a good short yardage back. Marcus Allen was one of the best short yardage backs of all time and he probably weighed a buck eighty-five. You need vision and quick feet.

 

[Pepperman]

I like wadley in short yardage situations. You don't need to be huge to be a good short yardage back. Marcus Allen was one of the best short yardage backs of all time and he probably weighed a buck eighty-five. You need vision and quick feet.

Plus you have the option to pitch the ball to him which is a play that Iowa seems to neglect. I'm not sure why that is, but probably there is a fear that the pitch could be errant or fumbled. For players like Wadley though, you need to get him into space occasionally. On a 3rd and 2, say at the 50 yard line, the defense still has to be prepared for anything and I'd like to see Wadley get the pitch on plays like that.

 

[SigMaintHawk]

I like wadley in short yardage situations. You don't need to be huge to be a good short yardage back. Marcus Allen was one of the best short yardage backs of all time and he probably weighed a buck eighty-five. You need vision and quick feet.

Not sure how much Allen weighed in college, but he was around the 205-215 mark in the NFL...He was also 6-2/6-3, and could leap over people...

 

[Curt Furence]

This was a problem area on the team last year at the RB spot. Last year Daniels was 4 for 11 on 3rd down conversions of 3 yards or less which ranked worst in the B1G. Canzeri wasnt much better as he was 5 of 12 and was also towards the bottom. This led to Iowa running Beathard more on 3rd and short which could have also led to him breaking down more as the season wore on. Beathard was actually our best as he converted 15 of 16. I don't think Iowa wants to use Beathard a lot this year on 3rd and short and exposing him to the D's front 7.

I actually think we will be improved as Daniels to me looks a step quicker and that was the problem for him last year. By the time he got to the line of scrimmage the holes (if there was any) were closed and the D was squared up to him. For a big guy Daniels doesnt run over guys like Greene and to some extend Coker did so he needs to hit the holes while the D is still slightly off balance. I also think Meyers moving to guard could improve the line. Meyers was a solid run blocker just not the best edge pass blocker. I think we could see Meyers thrive on the inside with the zone blocking scheme. It wont hurt either that Croston, J. Daniels, Welsch and Boettger have another year under them as well. Bottom line our O left the field far to often last season due to failed 3rd and shorts or even because of failed 2nd and shorts if our RB's can improve this year it will be a big step forward from what was already a pretty good last season.

The biggest thing with Daniels is he was so tentative getting to the hole in those plays. I remember him almost just standing behind the line. Part of it was probably his ankle, bc he was much better after he was healthier but if he was out there he had to hit the hole full speed and not waiting for the line.

 

[J_Heater]

I like wadley in short yardage situations. You don't need to be huge to be a good short yardage back. Marcus Allen was one of the best short yardage backs of all time and he probably weighed a buck eighty-five. You need vision and quick feet.

Agree you don't need to be a big guy to get tough yards but Marcus Allen was 6'2 210 when he played.

 

[cmhawks99]

Per the quick pitch, that's not an Iowa thing, that's a "football" thing. It always seems that should work, but I've seen it lose 3 yards more often than it gains 2. Its a fan thing....another fan thing is the "everyone" knows they are going to run. Well everyone knew Pete Carroll was going to run in the Superbowl and then.....sometimes, or more accurately, what everyone knows is going to happen is still the right play..just sayin...

 

[soybean]

I actually think Wadley can do well in short yardage situations. He knows how to get skinny through the hole. For all the hope that Daniels will emerge as a Greene type back. he just hasn't shown he can do it. It's like one step forward two steps back with him.

No, its actually two steps forward and one back with Daniels. We will be very happy to have him at full strength this fall.

 

[David1979]

No, its actually two steps forward and one back with Daniels. We will be very happy to have him at full strength this fall.

I like the kid I just haven't seen him perform at a high level except for one game. The Minnesota game. And if it is just because he is constantly injured then that isn't good either. He hasn't shown he can be consistent or reliable.

 

[IAHawk2011]

I like the kid I just haven't seen him perform at a high level except for one game. The Minnesota game. And if it is just because he is constantly injured then that isn't good either. He hasn't shown he can be consistent or reliable.

Daniels was on his way to a huge day against Iowa State last year before he got injured, then wasn't the same the rest of the year. Daniels' injuries to date have been "freak" accidental injuries, i.e. getting an ankle rolled up on. Not sure it's fair to say he is injury prone (not claiming you said that), and he certainly has al the physical tools to have a great year. Hopefully he can put it all together for his senior season.

 

[DogBoyRy]

You aren't going to be 100% in most games if you play football.

Understood but you need ankles to be runningback

 

[cmhawks99]

We will need them all

 

[cmhawks99]

Canzeri wasn't healthy until really last year and then he was still hurt...

 

[bocahawk2]

Agree you don't need to be a big guy to get tough yards but Marcus Allen was 6'2 210 when he played.

He sure looked skinny in that chiefs uniform...and least to my fading memory.

 

[Keeker16]

Daniels looks like Tarzan but ran like Jane against the decent defenses. Agree that our personnel basically dictates what we will do in those situations. Go with a normal more open formation and then allow CJB to run a check with me at the line. If the defense still wants to load up, run something else. If they play it honest run the ball down hill.

I have coached before at the college and high school level and every team at those levels who runs zone schemes also has other blocking schemes that they practice as well, so that should not be an issue.

 

[DogBoyRy]

Daniels looks like Tarzan but ran like Jane against the decent defenses. Agree that our personnel basically dictates what we will do in those situations. Go with a normal more open formation and then allow CJB to run a check with me at the line. If the defense still wants to load up, run something else. If they play it honest run the ball down hill.

I have coached before at the college and high school level and every team at those levels who runs zone schemes also has other blocking schemes that they practice as well, so that should not be an issue.

BS - go away.

 

[mazda1]

When we are talking short yardage I'd think more focus would be on replacing Blythe and Walsh. Austin probably had much to do with CJ's success.

 

[cmhawks99]

When we are talking short yardage I'd think more focus would be on replacing Blythe and Walsh. Austin probably had much to do with CJ's success.

Great point Mazda

 

[24 so far]

I like wadley in short yardage situations. You don't need to be huge to be a good short yardage back. Marcus Allen was one of the best short yardage backs of all time and he probably weighed a buck eighty-five. You need vision and quick feet.

I like Wadley in ever situation. He hits the hole quicker, runs just as tough between the tackles, is faster in the open field, cuts better, everything you want in a running back he does better than Daniels. It's not even remotely close.

But for some reason Iowa's Coaching Staff thinks they have another Shonn Greene on their hands because of comparable size. Daniels is decent, but he's no Shonn Greene and if anybody is going to be the workhorse in Iowa's Offense, it SHOULD be Wadley.

Canzeri had it rolling last year for quite awhile until his ankle got rolled up on. Expect similar and more than likely better things from Wadley. Love this kid, give him the rock and get out of the way!

 

[twindman]

I think it was the first game or 2 that I was impressed by how quick Daniels was and the little juke or side step moves he had. After he got hurt, he seemed less mobile.

 

[Hawks_Rock_12]

I like Wadley in ever situation. He hits the hole quicker, runs just as tough between the tackles, is faster in the open field, cuts better, everything you want in a running back he does better than Daniels. It's not even remotely close.

But for some reason Iowa's Coaching Staff thinks they have another Shonn Greene on their hands because of comparable size. Daniels is decent, but he's no Shonn Greene and if anybody is going to be the workhorse in Iowa's Offense, it SHOULD be Wadley.

Canzeri had it rolling last year for quite awhile until his ankle got rolled up on. Expect similar and more than likely better things from Wadley. Love this kid, give him the rock and get out of the way!

I doubt we will ever see Wadley as a featured RB in Iowa's offense. His body couldn't take the pounding for 20+ carries over a 13-14 game season.

 

[David1979]

Morehouse and Dochterman noted that Daniels is still struggling in short yardage, as evidenced in the spring game. Hesitates and stops moving his feet

 

[DewHawk]

I think just a bit of play-call variation would do wonders on the third down success IMO.

 

[anon_i8nzeu2gbf0ba]

Iowa should use all three of its top backs as long as they are healthy. I love Wadley and am hopeful the staff will follow through on their words and use him as creatively as possible. The kid has the skills to be a tremendous weapon, but the coaches have to use that weapon.

Daniels has shown flashes, and is a good back, but I love the potential of Derrick Mitchell. He has an excellent combination of speed and power and has shown that he, too, can catch the ball. (He is a former WR).

If the staff can figure out how to mix and match Wadley, Mitchell, and Daniels, wow. Combine those backs with a healthy CJ throwin' it and runnin' it and this Iowa offense could be as good as any in the KF era.

And I'd love to see two of those RBs in the game at the same time maybe 30% to 50% of the time. Force the defense to account for, say, Mitchell and Wadley and Beathard all at once. That wouldn't be easy. Toss in VandeBerg, Smith and Parker, Scheel and Boyle, a TE... With all that potential, Iowa's offensive coaches should be ecstatic.

The pieces are there. Can the coaches put them together? The potential is really, really exciting, on third and short and every other down.

 

[KennyPloen]

Great topic by the OP. This area has been a huge problem that hasn't been widely recognized. A team can't claim to be ball control when they can't convert 50% on 3rd and 2.

But I don't see the backs as the largest part of the problem. On many of those plays, the back was hit 2 yards behind the LOS and the defender had 2 or 3 teammates in the hole behind him. If the flow of the zone blocking wasn't indicating the intended point of attack, something else was. In addition to personnel and formation, maybe we are tipping things off with stances or something else.

In any case, scheme appears to be the main culprit to me. We need to get more diversified with formation, blocking schemes, personnel, and playcalling. If our OL is getting confused on assignments, let's stop shooting ourselves in the foot by risking confusing blocking schemes in critical situations-or coach-up to eliminate the confusion.

In generaI, I agree with others in this thread about RBs. Injuries impede effectiveness but skill sets or lack thereof are still very evident. A sore ankle doesn't explain coming to a dead stop upon contact rather than sliding/falling sideways for another 2 yards. What is the thought process of picking average speed with no power over high speed with shiftiness to not need power?

 

[DarkThunder#61]

This is true. I think you have seen them go more towards some trap plays in those situations lately. A lot of it will come down to line recognition with CJB because we have some high tenancies when it comes to 3 and short and teams generally run blitz us.

I would like to see some more roll outs or slants mixed in since we are usually getting 1 on 1 coverage 3rd and 3 and in.

That would be a prime spot for an audible if they have that in their playbook....

Anyone wanna try to guess the times we've audibled to a pass in a short yardage situation?

 

[pocha444444]

I am not sure how to prove this, but I've wondered if maybe zone blocking is less effective in those situations. Anybody with more Xs and Os knowledge care to try that one?

I think it definitely is. Also, I'm not sure if there are any stats on this, but contrary to popular opinion, I always like a quick back that can get to the line before the linebackers on those short yardage plays. The big bruisers always take forever to get to the line, one backer will knock them back and then the rest will gang tackle. Of course this didn't hold true in the big ten title game.

 

[Freyvet]

That would be a prime spot for an audible if they have that in their playbook....

Anyone wanna try to guess the times we've audibled to a pass in a short yardage situation?

Thank goodness we have another poster questioning the coaching staff again! I was afraid 12-0 would shut them up! Nope! They still find a way - congrats!

 

[DarkThunder#61]

Thank goodness we have another poster questioning the coaching staff again! I was afraid 12-0 would shut them up! Nope! They still find a way - congrats!

Why are you questioning the coaching staff?

 

[WORTHYWISH]

CJ and his groin, Daniels & Canzeri w/ their ankles, T. Smith out for a little bit, and how many injuries on the OL? 2 or 3?

The O just needs to stay healthy. J. Smith is going compliment Vandy & Kittle, quite well. If mostly injury free, the offense is going to do some work this season. Count on it.