Current Perspective

[perryhawk]

Some of our fans are concerned, or frustrated, and/or convinced that our offense is bad and we will have another one of those years.

I actually feel pretty good about where we are at right now, and here's why.

1) NIU was a pretty decent opponent. Not great, but they aren't just another chump team. They have a pretty decent oline and a relatively strong defense.

2) ISU.....is actually a very good team/opponent. They have a lot of players back from a team that beat both Oklahoma and TCU last year. Did really well defensively last year. They have some serious talent on both sides of the ball and a good coaching staff in their 3rd year.....this win was ugly, but very good.

3) Our defensive line is better than I anticipated...and I am an optimist.

4) Our linebackers were really really good in this last game....way better than I anticipated.

5) Defensive backfield has been playing really well.

6) First game where our starting oline was together and they missed some blocks (as did TEs and backs) so they will be better. ISU had an aggressive attacking defense...our blocking will get better.

7) Stanley hasn't played up to par yet...I believe he will in the near future.

8) We've gotten through the first two opponents at 2-0 which I think is a big deal. We "should" beat UNI and hopefully iron out some offensive kinks......3-0 going into the Wisconsin game. Obviously we could lose that game, but mid season is typically when Kirk's teams start to really click (if they are going to be good)....

Bottom line, I think we are heading for a very strong season....one of the better in recent history.

That's my gut take.

 

[HawkIDrummer]

Some of our fans are concerned, or frustrated, and/or convinced that our offense is bad and we will have another one of those years.

I actually feel pretty good about where we are at right now, and here's why.

1) NIU was a pretty decent opponent. Not great, but they aren't just another chump team. They have a pretty decent oline and a relatively strong defense.

2) ISU.....is actually a very good team/opponent. They have a lot of players back from a team that beat both Oklahoma and TCU last year. Did really well defensively last year. They have some serious talent on both sides of the ball and a good coaching staff in their 3rd year.....this win was ugly, but very good.

3) Our defensive line is better than I anticipated...and I am an optimist.

4) Out linebackers were really really good in this last game....way better than I anticipated.

5) Defensive backfield has been playing really well.

6) First game where our starting oline was together and they missed some blocks (as did TEs and backs) so they will be better. ISU had an aggressive attacking defense...our blocking will get better.

7) Stanley hasn't played up to par yet...I believe he will in the near future.

8) We've gotten through the first two opponents at 2-0 which I think is a big deal. We "should" beat UNI and hopefully iron out some offensive kinks......3-0 going into the Wisconsin game. Obviously we could lose that game, but mid season is typically when Kirk's teams start to really click (if they are going to be good)....

Bottom line, I think we are heading for a very strong season....one of the better in recent history.

That's my gut take.

With this D...if your offense gets it together, this is a 10 win team

 

[ghostOfHomer777]

Some of our fans are concerned, or frustrated, and/or convinced that our offense is bad and we will have another one of those years.

I actually feel pretty good about where we are at right now, and here's why.

1) NIU was a pretty decent opponent. Not great, but they aren't just another chump team. They have a pretty decent oline and a relatively strong defense.

2) ISU.....is actually a very good team/opponent. They have a lot of players back from a team that beat both Oklahoma and TCU last year. Did really well defensively last year. They have some serious talent on both sides of the ball and a good coaching staff in their 3rd year.....this win was ugly, but very good.

3) Our defensive line is better than I anticipated...and I am an optimist.

4) Out linebackers were really really good in this last game....way better than I anticipated.

5) Defensive backfield has been playing really well.

6) First game where our starting oline was together and they missed some blocks (as did TEs and backs) so they will be better. ISU had an aggressive attacking defense...our blocking will get better.

7) Stanley hasn't played up to par yet...I believe he will in the near future.

8) We've gotten through the first two opponents at 2-0 which I think is a big deal. We "should" beat UNI and hopefully iron out some offensive kinks......3-0 going into the Wisconsin game. Obviously we could lose that game, but mid season is typically when Kirk's teams start to really click (if they are going to be good)....

Bottom line, I think we are heading for a very strong season....one of the better in recent history.

That's my gut take.

I think that folks need to realize that Stanley has had a lot more freedom compared to last season ... he now has a lot more freedom to change the play at the line of scrimmage (there are more plays that he can check things to). Consequently, I think that we've been witnessing, in real time, Stanley learning to gain his bearing on things. Currently, it seems like maybe he's been "thinking too much" ... and that has slowed down his game a little ... and this has also caused the timing on some balls to be off.

Furthermore, with the increased expectations ... sometimes that leads to guys trying to do too much ... trying to be too perfect. Consequently, I think that Stanley is even overthinking ball-placement. Don't get me wrong ... he SHOULD care about ball placement. However, he should focus on making sure that he's throwing a catchable ball before he's worrying about only throwing it to a place where his guy can get it.

Also, it's worth noting that the Hawks have even played against some decent Ds too. Furthermore, in each of the last 2 games, the Hawks have been playing against all-senior corners. Both of NIU's starting corners were SRs and both of ISU's starting corners were SRs. When you're playing against experienced guys ... it's sometimes a little harder to find advantages.

 

[Kinnick.At.Night]

My take is Wisky has something coming to them. Win or lose, in our house, in the dark, they better pack extra lunches and aspirin. Last year isn’t happening again.

 

[David1979]

I am not as worried about the offense as others because I think Iowa has played two pretty good defenses the first two games and there have been flashes of what it can be. The oline has been different both weeks so I think going forward you should see some more cohesion. The team has had way too many penalties the first two weeks which I don't expect to continue. I think the next game will be good to try and get the oline and offense in sync. It's just little things here and there that are hurting them. I think it will be important to get Kelly-Martin back as well as he is the quickest and most elusive back they have.

The defensive line is the best they have had in years and will help with the inexperienced backers and DBs to start the season. Nick Niemann looks like he could be better than his brother. Kid is really good.

 

[Melrose_Place31]

My take is Wisky has something coming to them. Win or lose, in our house, in the dark, they better pack extra lunches and aspirin. Last year isn’t happening again.

I like where your head is at...and I really hope we can take it to them.

 

[ghostOfHomer777]

I am not as worried about the offense as others because I think Iowa has played two pretty good defenses the first two games and there have been flashes of what it can be. The oline has been different both weeks so I think going forward you should see some more cohesion. The team has had way too many penalties the first two weeks which I don't expect to continue. I think the next game will be good to try and get the oline and offense in sync. It's just little things here and there that are hurting them. I think it will be important to get Kelly-Martin back as well as he is the quickest and most elusive back they have.

The defensive line is the best they have had in years and will help with the inexperienced backers and DBs to start the season. Nick Niemann looks like he could be better than his brother. Kid is really good.

I think that part of the concern has related to the fact that some folks have been surprised with some of Nate's throws. However, I think that you're right about many of the factors that have contributed to some of our O's struggles ... our OL has been dealing with some juggling ... we're having too many penalties (both by the OL and the TEs) ... and our WRs are dropping balls too. When you combine the aforementioned factors to Nate throwing a few bad balls ... then the offensive struggles make even more sense.

The good news, just as you indicated, is that many of the issues are things that I think the Hawks will get ironed out and improve upon.

 

[HawkIDrummer]

A number of Nate's throws were bad on Saturday, there were also a couple of drops (again).

On the plus side, he had some big throws at clutch times. The dart to TJHock for a 1st down on the scoring series was a great pitch and catch. The audible into the Brandon Smith catch was great QBing.

2 wins, but plenty of stuff to work on in the next 2 weeks with ample film to keep the guys honest.

 

[kceasthawk]

A number of Nate's throws were bad on Saturday, there were also a couple of drops (again).

On the plus side, he had some big throws at clutch times. The dart to TJHock for a 1st down on the scoring series was a great pitch and catch. The audible into the Brandon Smith catch was great QBing.

2 wins, but plenty of stuff to work on in the next 2 weeks with ample film to keep the guys honest.

Agreed. So far its actually almost the perfect scenario, as in 2009, (pre Ricky's injury), and 2015. Good solid wins, against two pretty good opponents, and plenty of rough edges and mistakes to help the staff keep the players attention, and nose to the grindstone. These next two weeks will write the story for this season. Solid technical improvement on Saturday, then prepare to give everything against the Badgers, followed by a much needed week off, to recharge, and regroup........ Go Hawks!

 

[Forgery5]

114 ranked offense, not a lot to be thrilled with. The defense can’t be on the field all the time to bail this offense out and continuing to run into 8-9 man lines is killing drives. Play calling needs to be evaluated.

 

[SDHawkDoc]

Iowa's defense playing well the first two games, unfortunately, doesn't necessarily translate to the offense getting it together.

niu and the 'clones were certainly not trash on the defensive side. wisky, though, is a very large step up from either of those units.

The defense is very unlikely to hold the wisky O as low in the scoring column as they did against the 'clones.
The Iowa offense should expect to score at least 20+ points and manage some clock chewing drives. If they can't, the D is likely to be ground down through spending too much time on the field.

 

[ghostOfHomer777]

Iowa's defense playing well the first two games, unfortunately, doesn't necessarily translate to the offense getting it together.

niu and the 'clones were certainly not trash on the defensive side. wisky, though, is a very large step up from either of those units.

The defense is very unlikely to hold the wisky O as low in the scoring column as they did against the 'clones.
The Iowa offense should expect to score at least 20+ points and manage some clock chewing drives. If they can't, the D is likely to be ground down through spending too much time on the field.

My guess is that part of the reason why the Hawks have the standing D-linemen on 3rd downs is that it is also really good prep for our O when they're facing off against the likes of Wisconsin's D. They have to be prepared, even if they don' t know whick gap the D is coming from.

 

[Auger]

I'm concerned about the Offense mainly because our OL looks average at best right now and the passing game hasn't found a groove yet. Despite my concerns about the offense I think Iowa wins 8-9 games before the bowl. The B1G West outside of Wisconsin and Iowa looks terrible. We should be able to notch wins against Northwestern, Purdue, Nebraska, Minnesota, and Illinois. Key injuries to some of those teams right now just made them worse than they already were.

 

[20Hawkeye14]

I actually think we will turn the offense around this season. I just hope it's by the time we play Wisconsin.

We know that Stanley can make a lot of the throws he's missed so far and we have had quite a few bad drops. That's just execution with a lot of young players that have gone up against 2 good defenses so far. The O Line has played better this year than most all of last year and I have a good feeling about them going forward.

 

[brewhawk23]

I will reserve judgement on both sides of the ball until we play Wisky. Unfortunately, this offense has been putrid and hope it gets on track (like 2nd half of NIU) this week to play a complete game. The defense has been better than most have expected, especially the defensive line. We have very inexperienced players at key position and only time will tell if they can hold up to the pressure of the big time environment. Wisky will be a whole different level of competition. Their defense is stout and fast - plus they play a 3-4 that has given Iowa fits lately. Their offense just wears on you. If Hornibrook doesnt turn the ball over, they are hard to beat. Even if he does turn it over, they can run all over you (see last year). We will know how this Iowa team stands after the Wisky game.......

 

[HawkIDrummer]

After watching again...Nate was more than just "not good", he was pretty bad...like first year starter bad, again.

The broadcasters noted that his completion rate is less than 50% over the last 6 games. That's lose your job kinda numbers.

 

[BubsFinn]

Our defense shut down ISU's running game and Kempt wasn't good enough to beat us with his arm. He missed quite a few open receivers, and the ones he did hit dropped a bunch of passes.
Hornibrook is better than Kempt. A lot better.
We are going to need to score a lot more than 13 to even think about beating Wisconsin.

 

[bumpstock]

 

[beans 33]

Some of our fans are concerned, or frustrated, and/or convinced that our offense is bad and we will have another one of those years.

I actually feel pretty good about where we are at right now, and here's why.

1) NIU was a pretty decent opponent. Not great, but they aren't just another chump team. They have a pretty decent oline and a relatively strong defense.

2) ISU.....is actually a very good team/opponent. They have a lot of players back from a team that beat both Oklahoma and TCU last year. Did really well defensively last year. They have some serious talent on both sides of the ball and a good coaching staff in their 3rd year.....this win was ugly, but very good.

3) Our defensive line is better than I anticipated...and I am an optimist.

4) Out linebackers were really really good in this last game....way better than I anticipated.

5) Defensive backfield has been playing really well.

6) First game where our starting oline was together and they missed some blocks (as did TEs and backs) so they will be better. ISU had an aggressive attacking defense...our blocking will get better.

7) Stanley hasn't played up to par yet...I believe he will in the near future.

8) We've gotten through the first two opponents at 2-0 which I think is a big deal. We "should" beat UNI and hopefully iron out some offensive kinks......3-0 going into the Wisconsin game. Obviously we could lose that game, but mid season is typically when Kirk's teams start to really click (if they are going to be good)....

Bottom line, I think we are heading for a very strong season....one of the better in recent history.

That's my gut take.

Perry,

I believe everything you articulated with this caveat; But if we come out with our non creative predictable game plan vs. Wiscy we will require luck to win. Like in 2015 when Stave stumbled and gave us the game. If we come out with a let it rip Ohio State game plan plan throwing on 1st down and being very unpredictable, we have a good shit. Look at what and Ohio State and Penn State beat Bucky in the last 2 Big 10 Championship games. They smoked them passing!

 

[H4wkfan4life]

Anyone happy about this offense, must have been watching different games than I have.
Outside the TE(and glimpses of the Rbs) this O has looked HORRIBLE. And even the TE hasn't lived up to the hype so far.

Perry,

I believe everything you articulated with this caveat; But if we come out with our non creative predictable game plan vs. Wiscy we will require luck to win. Like in 2015 when Stave stumbled and gave us the game. If we come out with a let it rip Ohio State game plan plan throwing on 1st down and being very unpredictable, we have a good shit. Look at what and Ohio State and Penn State beat Bucky in the last 2 Big 10 Championship games. They smoked them passing!

People seem to talk like play calling was the only difference in the OSU game....it wasn't. Players actually PERFORMED. They made catches/throws they probably shouldn't have.

Vanilla play calling isn't gonna cut it though, I agree with that.

 

[ferentz4life]

114 ranked offense, not a lot to be thrilled with. The defense can’t be on the field all the time to bail this offense out and continuing to run into 8-9 man lines is killing drives. Play calling needs to be evaluated.

Constantly running into 8-9 man lines was a major, major problem last year. And it wasn’t just one game either.

I had hoped it wouldn’t happen again this year but it is. Still optimistic and excited about what this team can accomplish though.

 

[LaQuintaHawkeye]

7) Stanley hasn't played up to par yet...I believe he will in the near future

What makes you believe that?

History has shown that most Hawkeye QBs regress under this regime. For the record, I hope you’re right.

 

[yrunvs]

The NIU game could have easily been 47-7 if the catchable throws were caught and big runs weren't negated by penalties so that ends that there.
Nate missed a few throws vs ISU and so did the receivers. Missed field goal doesn't help. ISU has a good defense.
The running game needs to kick it up a notch from here on out which will open up the passing game. Not worried.

 

[HawkLogic]

I'm optimistic. Defense looks super.

Offense stinks, but we have some decent talent on offense.

I will be disappointed with 8-9 regular season wins. B1G is soft league and 8-9 regular season wins we are again behind Wisconsin and not going to B1G title game.

 

[WWDMHawkeye]

Perry,

I believe everything you articulated with this caveat; But if we come out with our non creative predictable game plan vs. Wiscy we will require luck to win. Like in 2015 when Stave stumbled and gave us the game. If we come out with a let it rip Ohio State game plan plan throwing on 1st down and being very unpredictable, we have a good shit. Look at what and Ohio State and Penn State beat Bucky in the last 2 Big 10 Championship games. They smoked them passing!

No need to cuss. Remember, it’s a family board.

 

[perryhawk]

7) Stanley hasn't played up to par yet...I believe he will in the near future

What makes you believe that?

History has shown that most Hawkeye QBs regress under this regime. For the record, I hope you’re right.

26 TDs and just 6 interceptions.....an oline that has size, talent, and experience but just played their first game with starting tackles. Having played two reasonably tough defenses they have film and know what they need to work on....the point being that when the line plays like it should and receivers start catching the ball like they are capable of I think Nate starts to find his groove and will look much better.

I could be wrong....but I think Nate will be pretty good.

 

[unclesammy]

Constantly running into 8-9 man lines was a major, major problem last year. And it wasn’t just one game either.

I had hoped it wouldn’t happen again this year but it is. Still optimistic and excited about what this team can accomplish though.

I hope we have been laying in the weeds doing just enough to get a victory and not showing Wisconsin what we plan to do against them. We know how important this game is. If not, our offensive staff is really,really dumb.

 

[DodgerHawki]

After watching again...Nate was more than just "not good", he was pretty bad...like first year starter bad, again.

The broadcasters noted that his completion rate is less than 50% over the last 6 games. That's lose your job kinda numbers.

He got better as the game went on. 11-17 in the second half for 140-some yards after going 5-11 for 26 yards in the first half. Agree overall he needs to be better, as does the entire offense. We shall see what happens. The offense has to get better if Iowa wants to go beyond okay/good to a team that could win the West.

 

[T. Kimball]

BTN was taking issue last night with Stanley's downward trend over past 5 games.

 

[ghostOfHomer777]

BTN was taking issue last night with Stanley's downward trend over past 5 games.

A lot of it has to do with Stanley getting more comfortable in the face of pressure. It's still early this season ... so it will be interesting to see how things play out.

 

[cleotishaywood]

Stanley had the convenience last year of having Wadley to dump to and make things happen. That option is really missed.

 

[ghostOfHomer777]

Stanley had the convenience last year of having Wadley to dump to and make things happen. That option is really missed.

I think that it also helped Fant a lot too ... at least in terms of the passing game. LBs were so concerned about containing Wadley ... that it made it a little harder for them to allocate resources to account for him too.

This year, Iowa's running game CAN force opposing teams to come downhill against the run ... but there are still more coverage resources available to limit some of Fants gains. However, the flip side of the situation is as I had predicted before ... just because they can try to limit Fant ... they cannot expend the resources to limit BOTH Fant and Hockenson. Consequently, Hockenson has been a 3rd down machine for the Hawks thus far this season!

 

[Hawk_4shur]

Perry,

I believe everything you articulated with this caveat; But if we come out with our non creative predictable game plan vs. Wiscy we will require luck to win. Like in 2015 when Stave stumbled and gave us the game. If we come out with a let it rip Ohio State game plan plan throwing on 1st down and being very unpredictable, we have a good shit. Look at what and Ohio State and Penn State beat Bucky in the last 2 Big 10 Championship games. They smoked them passing!

Iowa did a very nice job mixing up plays against OSU last year, but it wasn't simply more passing. Against OSU, Stanley was 20/31, 226 yards. Against ISU, he was 16/28 for 166. Three more attempts, 4 more completions and 60 more yards vs. OSU. I don't know the 1st down throwing attempts for either game.

If memory serves, one of my favorite plays in the OSU game was a "relief pass" to Wadley. Stanley getting blitzed, under duress and tosses a pass to the Wad on the sideline, who then runs through the Buck D for about 40 yards to inside the 5. Simply a great play by Stanley and Wadley. I could be wrong, but I don't think that the play was designed to go that way.

When a play doesn't work, it looks conservative and predictable. When it does work, it looks aggressive and creative. When Stanley starts finding and hitting the right receiver, the offense will look a whole lot better.

 

[HawkIDrummer]

I think that it also helped Fant a lot too ... at least in terms of the passing game. LBs were so concerned about containing Wadley ... that it made it a little harder for them to allocate resources to account for him too.

This year, Iowa's running game CAN force opposing teams to come downhill against the run ... but there are still more coverage resources available to limit some of Fants gains. However, the flip side of the situation is as I had predicted before ... just because they can try to limit Fant ... they cannot expend the resources to limit BOTH Fant and Hockenson. Consequently, Hockenson has been a 3rd down machine for the Hawks thus far this season!

This is where IKM is valuable. If he can show the same Wadley-type look on those dump offs, it'll keep the D honest... as stated above.

 

[ghostOfHomer777]

This is where IKM is valuable. If he can show the same Wadley-type look on those dump offs, it'll keep the D honest... as stated above.

I absolutely agree. Furthermore, he's a little more slippery AND he's also our most explosive back. Thus, IKM helps to add a little more "dimensionality" to our O.

 

[sdschroe]

If you had told me two weeks ago that Iowa would win its first two games by a combined score of 46-10, I'd be pretty damn satisfied.

Our offense needs to get better... if we want to win all our games.

At this point, it is fair to say that if our offense just chugs along with no major improvements we are still going to win 9 games. Iowa State might be the 3rd best team on our schedule.

But I don't think that is what our offense will do. We have mostly all new starters on the line, young receivers, young running backs and a QB with a high ceiling who is still inconsistent.

It should be an exciting year.

 

[ghostOfHomer777]

If you had told me two weeks ago that Iowa would win its first two games by a combined score of 46-10, I'd be pretty damn satisfied.

Our offense needs to get better... if we want to win all our games.

At this point, it is fair to say that if our offense just chugs along with no major improvements we are still going to win 9 games. Iowa State might be the 3rd best team on our schedule.

But I don't think that is what our offense will do. We have mostly all new starters on the line, young receivers, young running backs and a QB with a high ceiling who is still inconsistent.

It should be an exciting year.

Very fair post. The O has a lot of room for improvement. It will be most interesting to see if they do it ... or rather, HOW they do it!

 

[MVPFAN]

The WRs need to step up and Stanley needs to get it together. Nate had a nice year last year but I don't see the progression. His movements seem stiff, unsure footwork and still having a lot of trouble being accurate and still throwing lasers when some touch is needed. I have no problem getting Mansell more snaps if need be. I don't have much to go on with him but he gave off that "winner" vibe in his NIU action. Similar to Beathard.

 

[redghost1974]

If history repeats we win and dogs and lose as favored. Win against Wisky or PSU and loose to Northwestern.

 

[citizenHawk]

66 total yards last year in Madison. 0-13 on 3rd down with just 5 first downs the entire game. Optimistically, really nowhere to go but be better. Another showing like that will be hard to spin.