How big of a problem is our defense?

[unoHawkeye]

Typically, 38 points against two Big Ten schools in two games would be solid, especially when one of the two teams has a Heisman candidate to go along with one of the best offenses in the nation. Our offense and punting have also been issues, but is it possible that our defense has been just as big of a problem as the aforementioned areas, or even bigger? In my opinion, yes, and here's why:

Again, our defense is far from the only problem, but it almost seems like the "bend but don't break" strategy is working a little too well. We've done great in avoiding giving up the big g play, but teams are consistently getting a couple first downs then pinning us back inside our 10 yard line, where margin for error on offense is extremely small. It's also more difficult to punt out of your own end zone, since opposing teams have the luxury of being able to be more aggressive in their punt defense. We are forcing very few turnovers due to an ineffective (if not non-existent pass) rush and most sacks have been coverage sacks.

As we all know, a good Iowa team is built on a solid defense. It's been a long time since we've had an offense that has been able to move the ball at will against opposing defenses. Our two most successful years recently 2009, and 2015, had major offensive issues ('15 more so than '09). This is why it's a little annoying to see so many posters pointing fingers at Nate Stanley, who, as a true sophomore, is forced to consistently take over inside his own 10 yard line, Rastetter(sp), who often is punting out of his own end zone, and even Brian Ferentz, who is routinely tasked with engineering 80+ yard drives.

If we were able to force some turnovers or 3-and-outs, maybe we'd start winning the precious field position battle and see a more confident offense and punter. That's all I'm saying...

 

[MepoDawg#]

If the offense could get a couple of first downs themselves and them punt further than 35 yards then the defense wouldn’t be in a bad position. So I say no the defense isn’t nearly the problem that the offense and kicking game is. It’s not even close.

 

[longliveCS40]

I think the defense is probably pretty solid. I do think our defensive backs are the weak spot and can be exploited.

They're just spending way too much time on the field with our offensive whoas.

 

[Tacticalhawk]

Typically, 38 points against two Big Ten schools in two games would be solid, especially when one of the two teams has a Heisman candidate to go along with one of the best offenses in the nation. Our offense and punting have also been issues, but is it possible that our defense has been just as big of a problem as the aforementioned areas, or even bigger? In my opinion, yes, and here's why:

Again, our defense is far from the only problem, but it almost seems like the "bend but don't break" strategy is working a little too well. We've done great in avoiding giving up the big g play, but teams are consistently getting a couple first downs then pinning us back inside our 10 yard line, where margin for error on offense is extremely small. It's also more difficult to punt out of your own end zone, since opposing teams have the luxury of being able to be more aggressive in their punt defense. We are forcing very few turnovers due to an ineffective (if not non-existent pass) rush and most sacks have been coverage sacks.

As we all know, a good Iowa team is built on a solid defense. It's been a long time since we've had an offense that has been able to move the ball at will against opposing defenses. Our two most successful years recently 2009, and 2015, had major offensive issues ('15 more so than '09). This is why it's a little annoying to see so many posters pointing fingers at Nate Stanley, who, as a true sophomore, is forced to consistently take over inside his own 10 yard line, Rastetter(sp), who often is punting out of his own end zone, and even Brian Ferentz, who is routinely tasked with engineering 80+ yard drives.

If we were able to force some turnovers or 3-and-outs, maybe we'd start winning the precious field position battle and see a more confident offense and punter. That's all I'm saying...

Holy smokes interesting stuff! When I clicked I was annoyed at the thought of discussing this but you layed a solid arguement for sure!

 

[Fan In Black]

No. Could not disagree more. If you give up 36 points total in 2 college football games your defense is fine. I dont even care who those two teams are. This isnt the NFL.

Iowa's offense is bad.

 

[Muskie5]

The defense knows it can play better, and hopefully will. I don't think they've given up a lot of points in relation to how much time they've been on the field the first 2 big ten games. (73 of 120 minutes, that's not Iowa's 'game')

 

[unoHawkeye]

If the offense could get a couple of first downs themselves and them punt further than 35 yards then the defense wouldn’t be in a bad position. So I say no the defense isn’t nearly the problem that the offense and kicking game is. It’s not even close.

I'll start with the punting. Rastetter punted, during the MSU game, from the:
Iowa 45 (37 yards, MSU starts at their 26), not great, but not much worse than a touchback
Iowa 6
Iowa 10
Iowa 3
Iowa 41 (went 49 yards, downed at MSU's 10 - weird how both punts that weren't from inside Iowa's end zone were either average to solid punts)
Iowa 12

Offense started with the ball:
Iowa 37 - picked up a first down and flipped the field (MSU got it at their 26)
Iowa 9 - ( 3 and out - punt)
Iowa 28 - (Touchdown)
Iowa 9 - ( 3 and out - punt)
Iowa 8 - (3 and out - punt)
Iowa 40 - (3 and out - Sack, 8 yard run, incompletion - bad series)
Iowa 31 - (drove 62 yards before fumbling at MSU's 5)
Iowa 30 - (drove 40 yards before Brandon Smith's fumble)
Iowa 30 - (45 yards, field goal)
Iowa 7 - (3 and out - punt)
Iowa 16 - (Game ends)

Summary: When Iowa doesn't start inside their own 15 yard line, they were either able to either flip the field via punt, drive the ball down the field and score, or drive the ball down the field only to turn it over. Again Mepo, I'm not arguing that Iowa has a good offense or good punting. But the defense is doing the offense/special teams no favors by consistently allowing teams to get into Iowa territory before forcing a punt. No forced turnovers, not enough three and outs. It's a problem.

 

[unoHawkeye]

I think the defense is probably pretty solid. I do think our defensive backs are the weak spot and can be exploited.

They're just spending way too much time on the field with our offensive whoas.

I think it's a "which came first, the chicken or the egg?" question. Is the bad offense keeping the defense on the field, or is the admittedly spotty defense putting the offense in a position to fail?

I agree with you that our defense is a lot closer to "clicking" than the offense is, but there is an argument to be made that the defense has been an issue thus far.

 

[unoHawkeye]

I'd like to again stress that I'm not saying that the offense is "better" than the defense or anything like that. The offense has been bad and frustrating to watch. But when you consider that the cornerstone of solid Iowa's teams has been outstanding defenses that can lock opposing offenses down, force turnovers, and help Iowa dominate the field position battle, they have a LONG ways to go.

The purpose of this thread wasn't to bitch and whine about Parker or KF or anything, I just wanted to give some of you posters who are ready to fire BF, replace Stanley, replace Rastetter, denounce Wadley, etc., something to consider.

 

[longliveCS40]

I think it's a "which came first, the chicken or the egg?" question. Is the bad offense keeping the defense on the field, or is the admittedly spotty defense putting the offense in a position to fail?

I agree with you that our defense is a lot closer to "clicking" than the offense is, but there is an argument to be made that the defense has been an issue thus far.

I see your point there. The offense has certainly been put into some pretty bad starting positions.

Having said that, that's what this team has always done historically. Bend don't break on defense, get the ball back, grind it out on offense with time of possession and long sustained drives by running the ball. The problem with the formula this year is that we can't run the ball...like AT ALL. That leads to not eating up any clock to let the defense rest and not moving the ball to a point where we get back field position. So the defense comes in with no rest and giving up field position to the other team.

 

[Hawk-A-Doodle-Doo]

The defense has given up some major yardage and chunk plays a few times this year. No doubt about it.

But in only one game has it given up what most of us would consider an unacceptable amount of points. It has also held the prolific PSU offense, yardage notwithstanding, to half of its average scoring output, been solid in the red zone overall, shut down a future first round NFL QB, and most importantly and impressively, pitched THREE second half shutouts in five games.

Is it the '85 Bears? Not even close. And does the bend-don't-break philosophy have flaws that frustrate us as fans sometimes? Absolutely.

But at the end of the day, in Doodle's humble opinion, the defense has carried well in excess of its share of the water for this team so far this year.

 

[bigfridaynite]

Typically, 38 points against two Big Ten schools in two games would be solid, especially when one of the two teams has a Heisman candidate to go along with one of the best offenses in the nation. Our offense and punting have also been issues, but is it possible that our defense has been just as big of a problem as the aforementioned areas, or even bigger? In my opinion, yes, and here's why:

Again, our defense is far from the only problem, but it almost seems like the "bend but don't break" strategy is working a little too well. We've done great in avoiding giving up the big g play, but teams are consistently getting a couple first downs then pinning us back inside our 10 yard line, where margin for error on offense is extremely small. It's also more difficult to punt out of your own end zone, since opposing teams have the luxury of being able to be more aggressive in their punt defense. We are forcing very few turnovers due to an ineffective (if not non-existent pass) rush and most sacks have been coverage sacks.

As we all know, a good Iowa team is built on a solid defense. It's been a long time since we've had an offense that has been able to move the ball at will against opposing defenses. Our two most successful years recently 2009, and 2015, had major offensive issues ('15 more so than '09). This is why it's a little annoying to see so many posters pointing fingers at Nate Stanley, who, as a true sophomore, is forced to consistently take over inside his own 10 yard line, Rastetter(sp), who often is punting out of his own end zone, and even Brian Ferentz, who is routinely tasked with engineering 80+ yard drives.

If we were able to force some turnovers or 3-and-outs, maybe we'd start winning the precious field position battle and see a more confident offense and punter. That's all I'm saying...

This is pretty much what Jewell said after game the D was one big reason this game was lost to many mental mistakes,missed tackles and not having all hats to the ball I believe he was talking mainly about 1st half.

 

[Hwk-I-St8]

I'd like to think that Iowa should perform as well, on average, as other teams. I've been pretty vocal about our crappy field position for the last two games and It do think it's a factor. That being said, we've had other teams backed up and they seem to get out of jail with little effort. For us, it seems like we might as punt on first down as it seems we never get out of that. It's a virtual guarantee the last couple games that we'll go three and out (possibly with negative yardage) and punt to mid field. It's really hard to win a game doing that.

Interestingly, we had several TD drives against ISU that started deep in our own territory. Is the ISU defense that bad or were we doing something different then? I just don't know. I felt like we had things clicking after Ames, but the wheels have fallen off the bus on O since then.

 

[Suterman]

Historically when Iowa can run the ball, they are successful. When Iowa cannot run the ball (2004 excepted), they struggle. Most of our troubles on both sides of the ball can be boiled down to the fact that we can't run, so we can't sustain drives. If we start running the ball better, suddenly the offense will look pretty smooth and the defense won't be on the field the whole game. Voila.

 

[Hawk-A-Doodle-Doo]

Historically when Iowa can run the ball, they are successful. When Iowa cannot run the ball (2004 excepted), they struggle. Most of our troubles on both sides of the ball can be boiled down to the fact that we can't run, so we can't sustain drives. If we start running the ball better, suddenly the offense will look pretty smooth and the defense won't be on the field the whole game. Voila.

Plus we need to start calling more of those touchdown plays.

 

[katman15]

I think these DBacks are going to be pretty solid with time.....Comes down to getting some consistent pressure on the QB.....Lots of times, it just too easy for opposing QB,s.
Where is the Raider Package, have we used it at all.

 

[icantfindausernamethatisntused]

Outside of the first MSU drive, I have no complaints about our defense against MSU. We only gave up 300 total yards and 4.4 yards per play, and after MSU's first drive we only gave up 225 yards and 3.6 yards per play. MSU had 10 possessions and came away with 17 points. You should win any game in which you give up less than 2 points per possession.

With that said, the OP is not without merit that sometimes this defense can look good on the scoreboard, but in reality they give up a lot of yards and put our offense in difficult positions. This is not one of the great Iowa defenses that we have seen in years past, but it is certainly playing well enough to compete for the West division championship. If you would have told me that we'd only give up 21 points to PSU and 17 to MSU, I would have thought we'd be 2-0 or at least 1-1 to start the Big 10 season. Unfortunately, our offense has not been able to capitalize on a lot of the opportunities they've had.

 

[hawkeye bb n fb fan]

It seems like the first drive of each half the opposing offense has no problem moving the ball on our defense

 

[ichawk24]

The offense is 107th nationally at 3.39 yards per carry.
The offense is 52nd nationally at 7.7 yards per pass.
The offense is 87th nationally at 25.6 points per game.

The defense is 73rd nationally at 4.11 yards per carry.
The defense is 32nd nationally at 6.3 yards per pass.
The defenseis 30th nationally at 19.2 points per game.

While both units have issues, the defense is doing much better than the offense.

 

[myteamcanbeatupyourteam]

I would argue the position our offense has put them in time and time again, the defense is playing lights out.

 

[nitewing]

MSU gained just 88 yards rushing, the PSU game skews the stats as they gained 284 yards passing and 295 yards rushing, one game can skew the numbers

 

[farhawks]

It's a shared responsibility. Defense hasn't done the offense any favors by not getting 3 and outs and giving the offense some better field position. The offense has the same issue, too many 3 and outs to put the defense in some bad spots. I believe though that if the defense only gives up 17 points the Hawks should win more than they lose by a wide margin.

 

[Dauminator]

offensive whoas.

WOB Alert.

Back on topic, the defense is keeping us in games. However, the scoring stat is a little misleading. I know the system hadn't changed, but it feels like we're bending more than usual. The offense needs to do better, but we're getting pinned deep much more often than normal/acceptable. Part of that is the defense. Part is the return game. Why are we consistently fielding punts within our 10?

 

[longliveCS40]

WOB Alert.

Woe Woe Woe! Wait a minute now.

I'm chalking it up to being half asleep. lol

 

[farhawks]

Agreed with the fielding punts inside the 10, whatever happened to the put your heels on the 10 and let it go. Seems like we are putting the offense in a hole to many times.

 

[83Hawk]

The defense DOES need to shoulder some of the" blame". As has already been pointed out, the defense bends too much, leaving the offense pinned deep in their own territory way too many times. The offense cannot be expected to continually churn out 80-90 yard scoring drives.

However, the lion's share of the "blame" falls on the offense. Brian (so far) has proven he is not up to the task. Play calling is suspect, and still unimaginative. Our offensive line (yes, I know there are injuries) is awful. Once again we are trying to pound a square peg in a round hole, by running into 8-9 man fronts and not doing anything to get the defense to back off. It is frustrating. I was against Brian's promotion from the start, but I did harbor hope he would bring changes. So far, those changes have been small. He has disappointed me.

But the most blame goes on Kirk himself. I'm sorry, but promoting your son Brian, who has no experience as an offensive coordinator, to offensive coordinator, and hiring a PROVEN SUCCESSFUL offensive coordinator to take his place as offensive line coach....a position this person has NEVER coached before, is absolute stupidity.

 

[fezzador]

Is it just me, or does Iowa look uncharacteristically sloppy this year? Poor field position is bad enough, but they're also committing far more penalties than we're used to seeing, and we're in the negative as far as turnovers go as well.

 

[Suterman]

Is it just me, or does Iowa look uncharacteristically sloppy this year? Poor field position is bad enough, but they're also committing far more penalties than we're used to seeing, and we're in the negative as far as turnovers go as well.

Sloppy is accurate. Isn't that the same as not executing? I believe it is.

 

[mtdew_fever]

That's one way to look at it.

Another is maybe the Iowa defense just isn't that good.

Even when Iowa's offense dominated the time of possession vs Iowa St.....they still gave up a ton of points and needed a huge come back in the 4th Qtr to squeeze out a win.

If the offense could get a couple of first downs themselves and them punt further than 35 yards then the defense wouldn’t be in a bad position. So I say no the defense isn’t nearly the problem that the offense and kicking game is. It’s not even close.

 

[The Sleeping Dog]

You think the defense is bad? I'm sure they've held every adversary well below their scoring averages except the Clowns. That class act at Pedarist State is averaging over 40 I think.

The offensive line has really under performed. Little AW has shown what he can do. Nate hasn't been great but generally good. Missed some throws but made some good throws as well. It is much harder to throw when three defenders are giving chase.

 

[fezzador]

You think the defense is bad? I'm sure they've held every adversary well below their scoring averages except the Clowns. That class act at Pedarist State is averaging over 40 I think.

The offensive line has really under performed. Little AW has shown what he can do. Nate hasn't been great but generally good. Missed some throws but made some good throws as well. It is much harder to throw when three defenders are giving chase.

OL play has been underwhelming. Pass protection is actually respectable, but the run protection has been disappointing.

The defense has played fairly admirably, considering how many short fields the opposing offense has gotten. Outside of the ISU game, opposing TDs have been fairly rare. But my lord, how many times has Iowa started inside its own 15 this year? Might be a slightly different story if Iowa had an actual weapon for a punter, but still, the offense goes 3-and-out more times than I care to remember. Even good defenses tire eventually.

 

[Hawk-A-Doodle-Doo]

Woe Woe Woe! Wait a minute now.

I'm chalking it up to being half asleep. lol

Well that's just whoaful.

 

[volknut]

99 plays in one game is about equal to 2 games... Defense is not the problem. An inept offense is.

 

[NorthDSMHawk]

I'd like to think we have a great defense and that it all starts with the offense. Then I remember the ISU game where the offense had (in regulation) approximately 28 first downs, 470 yards of offense, converted almost half of their third down attempts, and had the ball for 62% of the game. The defense still allowed 38 points in regulation.

It isn't just because of the offense. Our defense still has a lot of stuff to figure out and some pretty glaring weakspots. The first quarter of MSU kinda proved that.

 

[unoHawkeye]

WOB Alert.

Back on topic, the defense is keeping us in games. However, the scoring stat is a little misleading. I know the system hadn't changed, but it feels like we're bending more than usual. The offense needs to do better, but we're getting pinned deep much more often than normal/acceptable. Part of that is the defense. Part is the return game. Why are we consistently fielding punts within our 10?

Good post. If we are going to be pinned deep in our territory anyways, take a chance on letting it bounce into the end zone. Worst case scenario, they pick it up at the one, safety us, and we flip the field - like we saw in the Penn State game.

 

[unoHawkeye]

You think the defense is bad? I'm sure they've held every adversary well below their scoring averages except the Clowns. That class act at Pedarist State is averaging over 40 I think.

The offensive line has really under performed. Little AW has shown what he can do. Nate hasn't been great but generally good. Missed some throws but made some good throws as well. It is much harder to throw when three defenders are giving chase.

I think that it's a little too easy to point a finger at the offense when the points scored against us don't tell the whole story.

Look more closely at the drive by drive comparison of our offense against MSU when you take field position into account. Better starting field position = success. Bad starting field goal position = 3 and out 30 yard punt.

 

[unoHawkeye]

Is it just me, or does Iowa look uncharacteristically sloppy this year? Poor field position is bad enough, but they're also committing far more penalties than we're used to seeing, and we're in the negative as far as turnovers go as well.

Not just you. I think it's a product of (on the offensive line) players forced to start outside of their usual positions, and the youth that is seeing playing time this year. The second reason is the reason that I haven't been able to get too down on Iowa this year. This is a team that, in a couple years, is going to be absolutely stacked.

 

[unoHawkeye]

The defense has given up some major yardage and chunk plays a few times this year. No doubt about it.

But in only one game has it given up what most of us would consider an unacceptable amount of points. It has also held the prolific PSU offense, yardage notwithstanding, to half of its average scoring output, been solid in the red zone overall, shut down a future first round NFL QB, and most importantly and impressively, pitched THREE second half shutouts in five games.

Is it the '85 Bears? Not even close. And does the bend-don't-break philosophy have flaws that frustrate us as fans sometimes? Absolutely.

But at the end of the day, in Doodle's humble opinion, the defense has carried well in excess of its share of the water for this team so far this year.

I don't think there's any question that the defense rose to the occasion in the Penn State game. There is no way that anybody could have expected them to do any better than they did in terms of limiting them. It could be argued that the offense needed to come more prepared and step up sooner. However, then the defense did the exact same thing, giving up the same amount of yardage, to a Michigan State team starting a freshman at QB and running backs who were a fumble waiting to happen. Yet it's still the offense's fault? Look at the Iowa State game. Was that on the offense too?

 

[mtdew_fever]

People can complain all they want....but Iowa is really not that far from being 5-0.

Some years the difference from having a great team compared to an average team really isnt that much.