What a difference QB play makes.

[like-woahh]

What I noticed last year, and what I've noticed this year is something a bit less concrete than statistics.. What I've noticed (even watching Michigan's games this year) is that it appears Rudock has a hard time connecting with his teammates. After a couple TD's in this weeks Michigan game it reminded me of The Waterboy and Adam Sandler standing around yelling, "Slap hand! Slap hand!" They barely even acknowledged he was there.

There were many instances last year when the Hawks made plays and it was the same thing. When they were down Rudock was standing by himself with his hands in his shoulder pads not interacting. Maybe the dude is an introvert, I have no idea, it's just my perception.

Now, look at how Beathard acts with his teammates. Even when things were down against ISU he was walking up and down the sideline slapping helmets and being involved as a leader.

One of the most overlooked thing in all of team sports is the intangible aspect of a cohesive team. You can have all the talent in the world, but if the team isn't cohesive with each other it doesn't matter one bit. The best teams I have ever been a part of, whether athletic or work related, have always had that aspect of cohesion. In football, the Quarterback position is 100% the most important position in that regard. You just simply cannot have a passive person at the QB position unless they're some sort of absolute freak athlete.

Whatever it is, including last year, Beathard definitely connects with his teammates way more than Rudock ever did. Despite me feeling that his physical talents are superior, I feel like his ability to rally the troops is just as important. Reminds me a lot of Stanzi, his teammates rallied behind him whether he was struggling or not, and that led to a lot of success.

 

[Phenomenally Frantastic]

I mean it's so ridiculous to think they had anything to do with it.

It's only ridiculous to you because you have the IQ of a 3rd grader.

the fans matter, the donors matter.

They made the switch because the whole goddamned fan base could plainly see they were playing the wrong player on the most important position on the whole goddamned team.

If they don't make the switch, JR is still here and goes into Ames and loses how do you think Kinnick would look next week?

They would be ready to tar and feather Kirk outside Kinnick next to Kinnick's statue.

Kirk is thick but he isn't completely braindead.

 

[Phenomenally Frantastic]

I don't disagree with you, but I want the board to rule on this post: WOB?

definite WOB, good catch.

 

[J_Heater]

If you don't think kf is hearing the grumbling why has he faked two field goals already?

The same Field Goal those same toolsheds are complaining about now? Seems counter productive but who am I to argue with you. You have been far better of a coach than he has. He's not a great coach but you have been right 100% of the time. After the fact of course, but still you are right all the time. It's amazing to watch you work.

 

[Kurt Warner]

I'm game for a truce, how about we agree to disagree. All I know is we all want the hawks to do well and play an entertaining brand of fb and so far this what we're getting and I couldn't be happier. , see im happy

 

[J_Heater]

Deal

 

[like-woahh]

definite WOB, good catch.

That is a great WOB

 

[Kurt Warner]

Deal

Deal

 

[Joes Place]

How could you not see after last years Pitt game. CJ was a highlight reel. Kirk knew it then and didn't want to handle it at the time. Better late than never. Just like banks junior year.

As I posted in another thread, last yr, CJB's QB ratings as a starter were 46 & 61. JR's rating for the season was 71.

CJB's QB ratings are 86/87 for the two games this year.

The numbers don't necessarily bear out that he was better than JR last year. He is substantially improved so far this year though.

 

[HobbieHawk]

Dawg you really don't get it do ya? You think banks went from not being able to play one year to Heisman runner up the next? ? That is f ing laughable.

Hell, Ferentz thinks Beathard has matured five years in one year.... Just because he got a haircut!

 

[EternalHawk06]

Multiple BCS bowl games, multiple examples of identifying talent where others didn't see it (Gallery, Sanders, Clark, Greenwood, etc), becoming the longest tenured coach in the B10... These things don't happen by accident. Kirk has played it smart and conservative for a long time and it's worked out pretty well for us most years. To believe that Ferentz heard the fans clamoring for CJ and he kowtowed is just dumb... Anyone who says he isn't a good coach must have their head firmly lodged where the sun doesn't shine. Did he become (remain) predictable? Perhaps... But the fans aren't dictating the lineup. Neither are the blowhard boosters. Ferentz is smart enough realize his seat has gotten warm and when you have nothing left to lose, you might as well gamble a bit. I love the feel of this team too but don't forget that Kirk Ferentz put this team together. He brought in these players and coaches. Any fan/booster who thinks they deserve some kind of credit is pathetic. Being a 'fan' or a 'booster' means you support the team and that is (and should be) the limit of your involvement.

 

[lenoxhawks]

The same Field Goal those same toolsheds are complaining about now? Seems counter productive but who am I to argue with you. You have been far better of a coach than he has. He's not a great coach but you have been right 100% of the time. After the fact of course, but still you are right all the time. It's amazing to watch you work.

I said it after the first game. Kirk will do a 180 and go for it in instances that are too dumb to consider. He has no grasp of game management. Lets just hope that CJ can keep bailing him out. We said last year it takes a qb like CJ or a DC like Norm Parker to overcome this coaching staff. Better hope Greg Davis' qb stays healthy.

 

[revkev73]

A talented player has no chance to contribute...sitting on the sidelines...

Allowing talent to play, even though it isn't "perfectly" following KF's lock step coaching style takes risk...KF doesn't like such things. He has been forced to do somethings he would not otherwise have done.

Perhaps "luck" is helping KF move from stagnant coaching...

My hope is that he doesn't "lock down" the QB play with his smothering coaching style...

 

[cyclone plastic]

Coaches generally "lock down " QB play out of necessity. You run your QB much at this level and he will get hurt sooner or later.

 

[revkev73]

Yes, running a QB is dangerous, leading to injury...

I am thinking more of locking down his creativity, enthusiasm, willingness to create and lead...

Can KF allow the team leader be the QB? I am not sure...

 

[ZaHawks]

Bottom Line - KF is not a rocket scientist.

 

[sloehawk]

Coaches generally "lock down " QB play out of necessity. You run your QB much at this level and he will get hurt sooner or later.

I don't recall Johnny Football having much trouble "getting hurt" on his way to winning the Heisman. Or the myriad of QB's who have run circles around Iowa's Defense in the last several years.

People get hurt playing football. Even Kickers and Punters. There are plenty of "running" QB's who make it thru the season just fine, just like there are plenty of running backs that do.

If you're worried about getting hurt, stay off the Football Field.

 

[Phenomenally Frantastic]

I don't recall Johnny Football having much trouble "getting hurt" on his way to winning the Heisman. Or the myriad of QB's who have run circles around Iowa's Defense in the last several years.

People get hurt playing football. Even Kickers and Punters. There are plenty of "running" QB's who make it thru the season just fine, just like there are plenty of running backs that do.

If you're worried about getting hurt, stay off the Football Field.

Amen.

 

[Phenomenally Frantastic]

Multiple BCS bowl games, multiple examples of identifying talent where others didn't see it (Gallery, Sanders, Clark, Greenwood, etc), becoming the longest tenured coach in the B10... These things don't happen by accident. Kirk has played it smart and conservative for a long time and it's worked out pretty well for us most years. To believe that Ferentz heard the fans clamoring for CJ and he kowtowed is just dumb... Anyone who says he isn't a good coach must have their head firmly lodged where the sun doesn't shine. Did he become (remain) predictable? Perhaps... But the fans aren't dictating the lineup. Neither are the blowhard boosters. Ferentz is smart enough realize his seat has gotten warm and when you have nothing left to lose, you might as well gamble a bit. I love the feel of this team too but don't forget that Kirk Ferentz put this team together. He brought in these players and coaches. Any fan/booster who thinks they deserve some kind of credit is pathetic. Being a 'fan' or a 'booster' means you support the team and that is (and should be) the limit of your involvement.

hey there guy, explain then, why was Todd Lickliter fired?

hmmmmmm......

 

[iahawkeyes17]

in your deluded world are the coaches fallible? can they make mistakes on players or not?

are fans allowed to comment on their opinions on who should play? or in your view are we here to just nod along, cheer and pay money for tickets?

Iowa is winning this year is because Weisman & Martin-Manley graduated and Ruddock transferred.

The coaches don't have the ability to play those three this year. They literally cannot play the wrong players anymore.

You get to enjoy the results. Be happy.

I agree on the rudock transferring and upgrade at RB with Daniels/canzeri over Weismann/bullock duo we saw early on last year.

But you could not be more wrong with losing KMM. He leaves Iowa as the all time receptions leader. Who should have been playing over him last year?

 

[J_Heater]

A talented player has no chance to contribute...sitting on the sidelines...

Allowing talent to play, even though it isn't "perfectly" following KF's lock step coaching style takes risk...KF doesn't like such things. He has been forced to do somethings he would not otherwise have done.

Perhaps "luck" is helping KF move from stagnant coaching...

My hope is that he doesn't "lock down" the QB play with his smothering coaching style...

Which is exactly what you Rivals coaches will say he's done after the first loss. CJ has thrown the ball down field exactly 2 times in 2 games. Im willing to bet that is less than the first 2 games last year. What I have noticed over the years is when we win it's because the Iowa coaches are finally following the leadership of the rivals coaches. When they lose it's because they went back to their stubborn ways. I'm betting this year will be no different. And no I don't think KF is a great coach.

KF is financially set for life. He isn't forced to do anything and he doesn't luck into anything. He isn't as perfect like our Rivals fan base and here is a news flash. He won't be ever.

 

[Phenomenally Frantastic]

I agree on the rudock transferring and upgrade at RB with Daniels/canzeri over Weismann/bullock duo we saw early on last year.

But you could not be more wrong with losing KMM. He leaves Iowa as the all time receptions leader. Who should have been playing over him last year?

you mean Alligator-Manley? -3 to 3 yard outs don't really impress me, never really have. he was another anointed one. i'm not sure you'll ever see another receiver with fewer YAC and lower YPC. well.... maybe some day. they did promote Colin Sandeman forever, too.

 

[David1979]

I said it after the first game. Kirk will do a 180 and go for it in instances that are too dumb to consider. He has no grasp of game management. Lets just hope that CJ can keep bailing him out. We said last year it takes a qb like CJ or a DC like Norm Parker to overcome this coaching staff. Better hope Greg Davis' qb stays healthy.

ummmm..... no

 

[David1979]

KF was blowin' smoke about JR and his "cerebral play." I'm still waiting for the coaching staff, or anyone else, to explain or give ONE example of how JR's mental intelligence made Iowa a better offensive team--hell, give me an example of ONE time when JR made a brilliant audible. I saw every play, and I failed to notice.

One play I do remember, though, is when JR ran out of bounds on the two against Wisconsin two years ago rather than turning it up and trying to get into the end zone. The Iowa D was magnificent that day, and JR failed time after time after time to take advantage. JR was no leader, and his physical skills are clearly limited.

It could be argued with plenty of evidence that JR was Iowa's 3rd best QB behind Beathard and Sokol when, based on practices only, KF anointed JR. I wanted Beathard two years ago, and now many of you see why.

It has been said that "Talent can gain experience, but experience cannot gain talent." I guess that's one of many KF has never heard or doesn't understand.

If JR is the best Michigan has, well, good luck to them.

i can recall one off the top of my head. OT against Northwestern his sophomore year he changed to a pass play to CJ Fed for the TD. There were others as well but people remember the negative plays more especially when the team isn't that good and people want the backup. They look for plays that support their position and disregard the ones that don't.

 

[NYCHawkeye74]

Brad Banks showed flashes in 2001, but also made some really dumb plays from time to time. Plus I think our Offense in 2001 led the conference in scoring in that year. McCann wasn't the second coming of Chuck Long, but he was a good B10 QB. And those that say his runner-up Heisman finish the next year was evidence of KF's bone-headedness, think about how stupid A&M's coach was to RS Manziel! He didn't play at all the year before he won it!

And those who say KMM had the lowest YAC numbers, I don't think CJF broke one tackle in his whole career at Iowa. (I know Yards after contact vs Yards after catch.)

With that said, I think it was a win for everyone to have Ruddock transfer...unless CJB gets hurt. Then we might want him back...

 

[hawkguy77]

Brad Banks showed flashes in 2001, but also made some really dumb plays from time to time. Plus I think our Offense in 2001 led the conference in scoring in that year. McCann wasn't the second coming of Chuck Long, but he was a good B10 QB. And those that say his runner-up Heisman finish the next year was evidence of KF's bone-headedness, think about how stupid A&M's coach was to RS Manziel! He didn't play at all the year before he won it!

And those who say KMM had the lowest YAC numbers, I don't think CJF broke one tackle in his whole career at Iowa. (I know Yards after contact vs Yards after catch.)

With that said, I think it was a win for everyone to have Ruddock transfer...unless CJB gets hurt. Then we might want him back...

I for one will never want Jake Rudock back. If Beathard gets hurt we have Weigers and the two freshmen who will be pressed into service. I do hope that nothing bad happens to CJB because these first two games have been fun to watch. The TD throws to Smith and McCarron were both throws that Rudock could not make.

 

[HawkAttackDial911]

And those that say his runner-up Heisman finish the next year was evidence of KF's bone-headedness, think about how stupid A&M's coach was to RS Manziel! He didn't play at all the year before he won it!
..

Poor analogy. A&M's coach didn't waste a year of Manziel's eligibility.

 

[J_Heater]

i can recall one off the top of my head. OT against Northwestern his sophomore year he changed to a pass play to CJ Fed for the TD. There were others as well but people remember the negative plays more especially when the team isn't that good and people want the backup. They look for plays that support their position and disregard the ones that don't.

This!

 

[Phenomenally Frantastic]

CJ has thrown the ball down field exactly 2 times in 2 games.

1.) 14 yard pass for TD to Tevaun in back of the end zone (~25 yards)
2.) 50 yard pass to VandeBerg from his own endzone.
3.) 25 yard pass for TD to McCarron

there was at least one incompletion over the middle that was overthrown by CJ which makes 4.

Are you even an Iowa fan? Did you even watch the game?

 

[J_Heater]

Poor analogy. A&M's coach didn't waste a year of Manziel's eligibility.

Um thats exactly what he did when he redshirted him. We all know every player is NFL ready when they get to campus. It's the coaches holding them back. Nico Law my brother!

 

[Capital1Hawk]

Brad Banks showed flashes in 2001, but also made some really dumb plays from time to time. Plus I think our Offense in 2001 led the conference in scoring in that year. McCann wasn't the second coming of Chuck Long, but he was a good B10 QB. And those that say his runner-up Heisman finish the next year was evidence of KF's bone-headedness, think about how stupid A&M's coach was to RS Manziel! He didn't play at all the year before he won it!

And those who say KMM had the lowest YAC numbers, I don't think CJF broke one tackle in his whole career at Iowa. (I know Yards after contact vs Yards after catch.)

With that said, I think it was a win for everyone to have Ruddock transfer...unless CJB gets hurt. Then we might want him back...

Go back and watch that Michigan game and tell me who scored when they alternated possessions. We win that game with banks.

 

[iahawkeyes17]

you mean Alligator-Manley? -3 to 3 yard outs don't really impress me, never really have. he was another anointed one. i'm not sure you'll ever see another receiver with fewer YAC and lower YPC. well.... maybe some day. they did promote Colin Sandeman forever, too.

So who should have played ahead of him? You can argue and make cases for backups last year at RB and qb but who was better than him last year at the slot? 4 year contributed who avg 10.3 yds a reception in his career. Not many drops, good blocker, very solid player for Iowa. Alligator Manley give me a break...

 

[WORTHYWISH]

I gotta say; people's blind loyalty to Kirk Ferentz is perplexing.

 

[Kurt Warner]

Banks may have made a few mistakes but given the chance he would have been the superior qb. Heck I only live bout 30 miles from where maCcann played hs ball so I should of been pulling for him, that being said banks was still the better qb.

 

[J_Heater]

I gotta say; people's blind loyalty to Kirk Ferentz is perplexing.

Is not bitching non stop after a win like a spoiled prom queen considered blind loyalty to kirk ferentz. If so then you got me

 

[hawkeye1954]

Credit Greg Davis for talking Ferentz into going with CJ. Ferentz was a Jake man all the way. Ferentz still did all he could to lose the game but CJ bailed him out.

You don't like Ferentz. We get that. But CJ wasn't playing at this level last year. His start against Purdue didn't have me thinking he was better than Jake. Your unamed "sources" concerning Greg Davis's pleading that CJ be the starter lack credibility. You may not like Ferentz, and his certainly makes mistakes, but he is a proven winner.