Best realistic scenario

[dbrocket]

So, the idea of this thread is not to predict the best-case scenario record, but to think about the realistic best case scenario for what kind of team we have.

Offense:

1. CJB stays healthy all year.
2. One or more of Jerminic Smith, Jay Scheel, etc emerge as legit starting-caliber WRs.
3. The pass protection improves
4. The RBs improve as pass catchers (as they appeared to in the Spring).

Defense:

1. One or more of Hesse and the Nelsons develops into a dominant pass rusher OR all three develop into legit threats rushing the QB.
2. We develop enough depth to rotate more on the DL.
3. Snyder and whoever emerges at WLB are at least solid starters

Special teams:

1. Our kicker and punter are at least 'good.'

If we do these things, we're a better team than last year, record aside.

 

[jo2knight]

I might add something about the offensive line. Seems we are in good shape, but you don't know if Welsh will be a step back from Blythe. Then you also hope that everyone will mesh well as a unit.

 

[dbrocket]

I sort of did, in talking about the pass protection. I'm not so worried that they'll struggle run blocking. We've seen that from all the returning guys. They can be dominant in this area, for sure.

 

[J-Prof]

Addition on offense: one back at least 1000 yards, a second back at 700 yards rushing.

 

[EZ2BJZ]

Addition on offense: one back at least 1000 yards, a second back at 700 yards rushing.

Agreed. I think improvements in the passing game will only help an already stellar running game. I think we can safely assume after the Rose Bowl performance that pass protection was emphasized in the spring and not just talked about.

I can't wait to see how much this offense can take off with a healthy CJ Beathard. If CJ can stay healthy, can you imagine how dynamic this offense is going to be? Teams are still going to have to stack the box to stop the run game. If a vertical passing threat emerges with J. Smith and/or Scheel, then teams are going to have to choose between single coverage downfield or allowing CJ Beathard to pick up 10, 15, 20+ yard gains on scrambles. I didn't even mention Kittle running wide open down the seams.

It's been a long long time since Iowa had a high octane offense and I'm really hoping if the core of the team stays healthy that this is the year. I've normally been fairly cautious if not a little pessimistic about expectations on offense for quite a while. I don't know, I just get the feeling this Iowa team is going to be special. Dang, I can't wait for the season.

 

[dbrocket]

Dang, I can't wait for the season.

Me either. I'm really excited to see how good this team will end up.

 

[tronx95]

So, the idea of this thread is not to predict the best-case scenario record, but to think about the realistic best case scenario for what kind of team we have.

Offense:

1. CJB stays healthy all year.
2. One or more of Jerminic Smith, Jay Scheel, etc emerge as legit starting-caliber WRs.
3. The pass protection improves
4. The RBs improve as pass catchers (as they appeared to in the Spring).

Defense:

1. One or more of Hesse and the Nelsons develops into a dominant pass rusher OR all three develop into legit threats rushing the QB.
2. We develop enough depth to rotate more on the DL.
3. Snyder and whoever emerges at WLB are at least solid starters

Special teams:

1. Our kicker and punter are at least 'good.'

If we do these things, we're a better team than last year, record aside.

#1 on defense is huge. I'm really curious to see what Hesse and Nelson do. Nelson and Hesse have put some muscle on. The interior line is going to be excellent. We just need to keep the doubles off of Johnson and to keep the LBs (best in B1G) free.

 

[Birky]

My guess would be that 3 and 3 are most likely. Any and are possible.

 

[WORTHYWISH]

Agreed. I think improvements in the passing game will only help an already stellar running game. I think we can safely assume after the Rose Bowl performance that pass protection was emphasized in the spring and not just talked about.

I can't wait to see how much this offense can take off with a healthy CJ Beathard. If CJ can stay healthy, can you imagine how dynamic this offense is going to be? Teams are still going to have to stack the box to stop the run game. If a vertical passing threat emerges with J. Smith and/or Scheel, then teams are going to have to choose between single coverage downfield or allowing CJ Beathard to pick up 10, 15, 20+ yard gains on scrambles. I didn't even mention Kittle running wide open down the seams.

It's been a long long time since Iowa had a high octane offense and I'm really hoping if the core of the team stays healthy that this is the year. I've normally been fairly cautious if not a little pessimistic about expectations on offense for quite a while. I don't know, I just get the feeling this Iowa team is going to be special. Dang, I can't wait for the season.

Totally agree. It all comes down to staying healthy. The offense dealt with a lot of injuries last year and still did a pretty good job.

 

[TKingpin]

In a best case scenario, I would like to think that Aaron Mends can become a lightning fast pass rusher in the Raider attack.

I would think it is possible that Phil Parker takes a note from the Cowboys defense years ago with Prime Time Sanders and says: "Dez - you have man-to-man with no help on this side of the field" which allows the FS and SS to help out Mabin and come running downhill to the line of scrimmage and stop the run. Also, if Phil is willing to leave Dez on an island, one of the Safeties could pick up Mends' responsibilities in Pass Coverage because we blitz him to put the other teams QB on his ass, early and often. Seriously, I think with Mabin and King, we need to let those guys be on an island because they are that good. Maybe we get beat once or twice, but if it frees up a pass rusher like Mends to get to the passer, their coverage time is reduced as well. (Yes - I know this is not the Iowa way. I just feel this could be the year to really take some chances with those safeties).

Keeping CJ healthy is so crucial, but if we can, we have his arm and his legs back to pre-Pitt ability, which will really hurt the defense. Especially on 3rd down.

I think it is possible that we have a lumber and lightning rushing attack with Daniels and Wadley. Really looking forward to that. Mitchell is underrated and could easily substitute for either one of these guys should there be an injury. Inside power (Daniels re-creation of Shawn Greene), outside speed to the corner, with ability to make people miss (Wadley). Ability to pass into the flat with Wadley or Mitchell as excellent pass catchers. (Can the Oline get out there quick enough?)

I think it is possible that Kittle stays healthy and really becomes a weapon for CJ. Vandeberg and Kittle become the reliable possession receivers. One of Scheel, Jerminic, or Boyle become legitimate downfield threats. Greg Davis also calls for more deep plays.

I would like to see Boyle run the jet sweep. Set up the defense after all running plays in the Out of Conference schedule and eventually he can throw it on the run during the conference season when we really need a big play. At Dowling, IIRC, he could throw as well on the run, if not better, than he did in the pocket.

I think if we can develop the deep threat, we already have the medium and short threats in the passing game, then ultimately that will give Daniels and Wadley a lot more room to run and they could both be 1000 yard rushers this year, providing they stay healthy. If Wadley's 1000 yards come from a combo of rushing and receiving, well, that would be alright, too.

I would like to think Dez can affect games with his punt returns, too. I think he has the ability to be our version of Charles Woodley. Not sure that the other teams will throw to his side enough to get as many picks this year.