When does the Offense become Lester’s Fault/Responsibility?

[IChawkeye45]

I think Lester has done a good job of reviving the offense that Brian/Kirk have left in shambles. This year is a free pass for Lester. I think when he really gets to have his (hell it’s probably still Kirk’s) own quarterback starting in fall of 2025, is the time to start really giving him the blame/success of the offense. Curious as to what others think.

 

[uihawk82]

I think Lester has done a good job of reviving the offense that Brian/Kirk/Cade have left in shambles. This year is a free pass for Lester. I think when he really gets to have his (hell it’s probably still Kirk’s) own quarterback starting in fall of 2025, is the time to start really giving him the blame/success of the offense. Curious as to what others think.

It will take longer than just this year to revive the offense, especially the pass offense.

1. Dont we graduate a lot of the OLine iirc, so that will need to reload and revamp. I do not know what the hawks have for reserve Olinemen on the squad but they are not starting now so they probably need to develop in all aspects. Pass blocking is still just average and run blocking is better.

2. The WR room is still average or less as far as speed, getting open, perhaps with hands catching the ball. This area has been a problem since ISM and Brandon Smith graduated. Gill is pretty good, maybe RVZ gets more physical and turns into an Ed Hinkle, but we still do not have two deep threats

3. Lachey might stay for another year but if he leaves Ostrenga and a couple of others will perform well at TEnd.

4. Running back room is pretty good , Kaleb having an excellent year but I think offenses will load up even more to stop him. Either way he is gone after this year I would think. Moulton and Jazz are good and more on the team.

5. Now the elephant in the room, QB play. Spencer Petras is showing that he can throw the ball in a scheme that gets open receivers, complete 60+% and get the deep ball done from video I have seen.

But we havent had much for really good QB play in a long time. Cade throws some nice balls but also misses at times. We see qbs on other teams who are really accurate and fairly mobile. Cade has shown some ability to evade the rush. If Cade could run better I think the passing game would be better right now.

So my answer, I would say it will take Lester about 3 years to improve the passing game by getting transfer WRs and better WRS, QBs that are higher level runners and very good passers, building the OLine to be better, so 3-4 years.

 

[Iron Doc]

The Capt is still calling the shots, not a good scenario.
Too early to judge Lester, good or bad.
I don't think Lester has sufficient autonomy yet (if ever).

 

[Dr. Phil Seuss]

Ferentz is the OC and Tim Lester is allowed to call the plays that he approves.

 

[kceasthawk]

It will take longer than just this year to revive the offense, especially the pass offense.

1. Dont we graduate a lot of the OLine iirc, so that will need to reload and revamp. I do not know what the hawks have for reserve Olinemen on the squad but they are not starting now so they probably need to develop in all aspects. Pass blocking is still just average and run blocking is better.

2. The WR room is still average or less as far as speed, getting open, perhaps with hands catching the ball. This area has been a problem since ISM and Brandon Smith graduated. Gill is pretty good, maybe RVZ gets more physical and turns into an Ed Hinkle, but we still do not have two deep threats

3. Lachey might stay for another year but if he leaves Ostrenga and a couple of others will perform well at TEnd.

4. Running back room is pretty good , Kaleb having an excellent year but I think offenses will load up even more to stop him. Either way he is gone after this year I would think. Moulton and Jazz are good and more on the team.

5. Now the elephant in the room, QB play. Spencer Petras is showing that he can throw the ball in a scheme that gets open receivers, complete 60+% and get the deep ball done from video I have seen.

But we havent had much for really good QB play in a long time. Cade throws some nice balls but also misses at times. We see qbs on other teams who are really accurate and fairly mobile. Cade has shown some ability to evade the rush. If Cade could run better I think the passing game would be better right now.

So my answer, I would say it will take Lester about 3 years to improve the passing game by getting transfer WRs and better WRS, QBs that are higher level runners and very good passers, building the OLine to be better, so 3-4 years.

Pretty sure that Lachey is done. Should have been in last years draft class but came back. To this point he's been a non factor in the offense. A little better lately, but need to get him more involved. Still he looks a step slow so far. Not sure if thats still coming back from his injury. If he doesn't really come on the rest of the season, I don't see him going until later in the draft, and thats a far cry from where he would probably have gone. He'll have until next springs combine to continue his recovery and show out. He just hasn't looked like the same guy YET. TE isn't an issue anyway. Outside DE probably the position we've done the best at recruiting. Lots of young good looking talent in the last couple of classes. I think theres also some good young OL talent. Don't think we'll see a big drop off. Just that if its fairly close the 5 year guys are always going to get the nod. Dunker and Stephens should have another year.

 

[JerseyCityHawki]

I think Lester has done a good job of reviving the offense that Brian/Kirk/Cade have left in shambles. This year is a free pass for Lester. I think when he really gets to have his (hell it’s probably still Kirk’s) own quarterback starting in fall of 2025, is the time to start really giving him the blame/success of the offense. Curious as to what others think.

Yesterday

 

[hawkeyebob62]

OL and DL should always be biggest worries. The current OL is run-blocking well enough, but the pass-blocking is still sub-par. But...part of that HAS to be laid at the receivers not getting open quick enough/soon enough.

The DL will always be competent, at worst, but we rarely seem to get much pressure without using some type of blitzing, be it LBs or DBs. Maybe I am looking for that too much, though, and just missing the fact opposing offenses are compensating with quick/short stuff. The scary thing this year is we seem to be getting beat downfield way too often and easily.

 

[IChawkeye45]

Yesterday

Haha. Kirk gave Brian like seven years and it still was never Brian’s fault!

 

[Hawkfan_08]

I'm curious to see it if is like the qb play where they are good before they are trained. Once they get trained in the system, they regress.

 

[doughuddl2]

I think Lester has done a good job of reviving the offense that Brian/Kirk/Cade have left in shambles. This year is a free pass for Lester. I think when he really gets to have his (hell it’s probably still Kirk’s) own quarterback starting in fall of 2025, is the time to start really giving him the blame/success of the offense. Curious as to what others think.

Never. 6 years of below bad QB play is not on him.

Sorry former QBs not all on you.

 

[jdv77]

The offense is already his responsibility. Anyone who isn't giving him credit for its improvement hasn't been watching this season. He is clearly getting the best out of the personnel Iowa has on offense.

 

[CookyMonster]

He needs a statue imo

 

[DewHawk]

I think Lester has done a good job of reviving the offense that Brian/Kirk have left in shambles. This year is a free pass for Lester. I think when he really gets to have his (hell it’s probably still Kirk’s) own quarterback starting in fall of 2025, is the time to start really giving him the blame/success of the offense. Curious as to what others think.

would agree especially after CM is gone

 

[jonesy5960]

Can't assign responsibility without authority. If Kirk is deciding who plays the most important position by far, then I don't think you can.

 

[HawkLogic]

We need to replace pretty much the entire OL and Kaleb. Sully might return to be the starting QB next year---do we know if he is a stud? I think jury is out. I could see the offense being worse next year. It will take a heck of a recruiting/revamping to be improved next year.

It really isn't Lester's offense fully until he gets to pick who plays QB and when they get replaced. Then there is issue that Lester has only had one partial recruiting year. I think in 2 more recruiting years, it is all on Lester to get Iowa to middle of pack in offense.

 

[LukaDuka]

It will take longer than just this year to revive the offense, especially the pass offense.

1. Dont we graduate a lot of the OLine iirc, so that will need to reload and revamp. I do not know what the hawks have for reserve Olinemen on the squad but they are not starting now so they probably need to develop in all aspects. Pass blocking is still just average and run blocking is better.

2. The WR room is still average or less as far as speed, getting open, perhaps with hands catching the ball. This area has been a problem since ISM and Brandon Smith graduated. Gill is pretty good, maybe RVZ gets more physical and turns into an Ed Hinkle, but we still do not have two deep threats

3. Lachey might stay for another year but if he leaves Ostrenga and a couple of others will perform well at TEnd.

4. Running back room is pretty good , Kaleb having an excellent year but I think offenses will load up even more to stop him. Either way he is gone after this year I would think. Moulton and Jazz are good and more on the team.

5. Now the elephant in the room, QB play. Spencer Petras is showing that he can throw the ball in a scheme that gets open receivers, complete 60+% and get the deep ball done from video I have seen.

But we havent had much for really good QB play in a long time. Cade throws some nice balls but also misses at times. We see qbs on other teams who are really accurate and fairly mobile. Cade has shown some ability to evade the rush. If Cade could run better I think the passing game would be better right now.

So my answer, I would say it will take Lester about 3 years to improve the passing game by getting transfer WRs and better WRS, QBs that are higher level runners and very good passers, building the OLine to be better, so 3-4 years.

I hope they hit the portal hard for some experienced OL help.

 

[shanksit44]

Pretty sure that Lachey is done. Should have been in last years draft class but came back. To this point he's been a non factor in the offense. A little better lately, but need to get him more involved. Still he looks a step slow so far. Not sure if thats still coming back from his injury. If he doesn't really come on the rest of the season, I don't see him going until later in the draft, and thats a far cry from where he would probably have gone. He'll have until next springs combine to continue his recovery and show out. He just hasn't looked like the same guy YET. TE isn't an issue anyway. Outside DE probably the position we've done the best at recruiting. Lots of young good looking talent in the last couple of classes. I think theres also some good young OL talent. Don't think we'll see a big drop off. Just that if its fairly close the 5 year guys are always going to get the nod. Dunker and Stephens should have another year.

Have they really included the TE’s as a go to option yet this year? I haven’t seen much of it anyway. They’ll need to break them out some time.

 

[Ladell-hawk]

I think Lester has done a good job of reviving the offense that Brian/Kirk have left in shambles. This year is a free pass for Lester. I think when he really gets to have his (hell it’s probably still Kirk’s) own quarterback starting in fall of 2025, is the time to start really giving him the blame/success of the offense. Curious as to what others think.

GREAT JOB BY KIRK, all the assistants and all the Hawkeyes today. It’s GREAT To be a HAWKEYE !

 

[LukaDuka]

Have they really included the TE’s as a go to option yet this year? I haven’t seen much of it anyway. They’ll need to break them out some time.

Lachey had 2 catches for 20 yards. That's 25% of today's passing totals... 8 receptions for Iowa, 108 yards total. Hard to be a "go to option" when only 14 passes thrown. But yeah...

 

[Ladell-hawk]

We need to replace pretty much the entire OL and Kaleb. Sully might return to be the starting QB next year---do we know if he is a stud? I think jury is out. I could see the offense being worse next year. It will take a heck of a recruiting/revamping to be improved next year.

It really isn't Lester's offense fully until he gets to pick who plays QB and when they get replaced. Then there is issue that Lester has only had one partial recruiting year. I think in 2 more recruiting years, it is all on Lester to get Iowa to middle of pack in offense.

Dunker and Stevens will be back,with some good young guys in the wings. What makes you think Lester isn’t picking the QB. Holy cow, we played a great game today, enjoy it.

 

[shanksit44]

Dunker and Stevens will be back,with some good young guys in the wings. What makes you think Lester isn’t picking the QB. Holy cow, we played a great game today, enjoy it.

Played well. My opinion one of the better days the O~line has had in a while. They are the key to finishing this season strong.

QB play? Time will tell.

 

[doughuddl2]

Lachey had 2 catches for 20 yards. That's 25% of today's passing totals... 8 receptions for Iowa, 108 yards total. Hard to be a "go to option" when only 14 passes thrown. But yeah...

14 to Washington's 50. Unreal.

 

[General Tso]

6.9 years

 

[Hawk_4shur]

I think it's fair to evaluate him right now. He's calling the shots. He's had the team since spring ball.

Of course, you need to consider all factors. But so far I'd give him a B+. The offense is improved, by quite a bit. Very few penalties. The line is blocking batter and opening up holes for KJ. He's doing some misdirection that has been effective.

I think he's doing a good job.

And for those that still believe that KF is running the offense, in what alternate universe would he use a different QB in the red zone?

 

[mlb1399]

You can evaluate his playcalling now but I think it’s limited because of how limited our players are. We’re not fielding legitimate D1 WR’s or QB. Because of this, our offense is basically a 10 yard offense which makes it way easier to defend.

I think 2-3 years down the road will be a fair evaluation because at that point he/someone will have been responsible for recruiting, developing and coaching the players to execute his offense. Then we can get a proper evaluation of his play calling.

 

[BirdistheWord]

With the same O line and RB’s as last year and he has elevated our running game. The motion and weaving in some creativity have helped. KJ gets a lot of credit too. The passing game is certainly better, but with below average pass blocking and a very limited QB and receiver crew (Step up with Gill and RVZ) we are still poor. (Vs abysmal last year).

We desperately need a dual threat QB (we seem to have a few on the bench) that will open things up further. Must continue to recruit better WR’s.

 

[hawkfan2024]

Haha. Kirk gave Brian like seven years and it still was never Brian’s fault!

I imagine Brian coming in and crying to Kirk like Johnny Fontane in the Godfather:
Brian: "I don't know what to do, Dad. The offense is weak, it's weak. Anyway, if the team scores 25 points, it puts me right back on top, you know. But that... that AD out there. She won't give me a break. The head of the athletic department."
Kirk: "What's her name?"
Brian: "Goetz. She says there's no chance, no chance...Oh dad, I don't know what to do, I don't know what to do!"
Kirk rises from behind his desk and spits out his gum, giving Brian a savage shake, then slaps him in the face and shouts, "YOU CAN ACT LIKE A MAN! What's the matter with you? Is this what you've become, someone who cries like an Iowa State fan? You look terrible...I want you to study the playbook. I want you to watch film. And a month from now this athletic director big shot is going to give you what you want."
Brian: "Too late. The bowl game is in a week."
Kirk: "I'm gonna make her an offer she can't refuse. Okay? I want you to leave it all to me. Go on back to the sidelines."

 

[Bierhalter]

With the same O line and RB’s as last year and he has elevated our running game.

They're even making those runs to the short side of the field look effective. It's borderline astonishing.

 

[jonesy5960]

It will take longer than just this year to revive the offense, especially the pass offense.

1. Dont we graduate a lot of the OLine iirc, so that will need to reload and revamp. I do not know what the hawks have for reserve Olinemen on the squad but they are not starting now so they probably need to develop in all aspects. Pass blocking is still just average and run blocking is better.

2. The WR room is still average or less as far as speed, getting open, perhaps with hands catching the ball. This area has been a problem since ISM and Brandon Smith graduated. Gill is pretty good, maybe RVZ gets more physical and turns into an Ed Hinkle, but we still do not have two deep threats

3. Lachey might stay for another year but if he leaves Ostrenga and a couple of others will perform well at TEnd.

4. Running back room is pretty good , Kaleb having an excellent year but I think offenses will load up even more to stop him. Either way he is gone after this year I would think. Moulton and Jazz are good and more on the team.

5. Now the elephant in the room, QB play. Spencer Petras is showing that he can throw the ball in a scheme that gets open receivers, complete 60+% and get the deep ball done from video I have seen.

But we havent had much for really good QB play in a long time. Cade throws some nice balls but also misses at times. We see qbs on other teams who are really accurate and fairly mobile. Cade has shown some ability to evade the rush. If Cade could run better I think the passing game would be better right now.

So my answer, I would say it will take Lester about 3 years to improve the passing game by getting transfer WRs and better WRS, QBs that are higher level runners and very good passers, building the OLine to be better, so 3-4 years.

I would have agreed with this 5 years ago. Should it take 3-4 years to get an adequate QB and a couple of good receivers in the portal age?

 

[swihawk]

When he was hired.

 

[jonesy5960]

Dunker and Stevens will be back,with some good young guys in the wings. What makes you think Lester isn’t picking the QB. Holy cow, we played a great game today, enjoy it.

This is the question, right? Nobody here really knows. Most here and in the local media have always assumed it to be Kirk. Given the consistency with which that position has been handled over multiple OC's, and Kirk's own statements over the years, it's at least a reasonable possibility, correct? Or do you have any information that would directly contradict that impression?

 

[obfuscating]

I think Lester has done a good job of reviving the offense that Brian/Kirk have left in shambles. This year is a free pass for Lester. I think when he really gets to have his (hell it’s probably still Kirk’s) own quarterback starting in fall of 2025, is the time to start really giving him the blame/success of the offense. Curious as to what others think.

Off is far more than 1 position. Give him 3yrs to get his own recruits in and taught.

 

[mro1978]

He gets a free pass for a couple of years. Iowa is 94th in total offensive yards, 72nd in points scored, and 13th in rushing yards. I thought before the season that top 100 would be the expectation and top 80 was the high point. They've met the expectation in yards per game and exceeded it in ppg. The passing game, well, that ranks below a triple option team (navy). To say that is still a weakness is a vast understatement.

 

[Tom Paris]

I think Lester has done a good job of reviving the offense that Brian/Kirk have left in shambles. This year is a free pass for Lester. I think when he really gets to have his (hell it’s probably still Kirk’s) own quarterback starting in fall of 2025, is the time to start really giving him the blame/success of the offense. Curious as to what others think.

He's already my favorite of Kirk's OCs. I would like him better if Kirk would stay the hell out of the way.

 

[Tom Paris]

The Capt is still calling the shots, not a good scenario.
Too early to judge Lester, good or bad.
I don't think Lester has sufficient autonomy yet (if ever).

Kirk is and will remain the problem.

 

[yrunvs]

I don't think Sullivan is ready. He's a role player at best. He may develope into a BIG team leader and starter at some point. Unless injured CM will be at the helm and I suspect Lester is all in on that.

 

[Tom Paris]

I imagine Brian coming in and crying to Kirk like Johnny Fontane in the Godfather:
Brian: "I don't know what to do, Dad. The offense is weak, it's weak. Anyway, if the team scores 25 points, it puts me right back on top, you know. But that... that AD out there. She won't give me a break. The head of the athletic department."
Kirk: "What's her name?"
Brian: "Goetz. She says there's no chance, no chance...Oh dad, I don't know what to do, I don't know what to do!"
Kirk rises from behind his desk and spits out his gum, giving Brian a savage shake, then slaps him in the face and shouts, "YOU CAN ACT LIKE A MAN! What's the matter with you? Is this what you've become, someone who cries like an Iowa State fan? You look terrible...I want you to study the playbook. I want you to watch film. And a month from now this athletic director big shot is going to give you what you want."
Brian: "Too late. The bowl game is in a week."
Kirk: "I'm gonna make her an offer she can't refuse. Okay? I want you to leave it all to me. Go on back to the sidelines."

There's not a lot I want more than Brian to be a successful OC or HC someplace.

 

[Tom Paris]

I don't think Sullivan is ready. He's a role player at best. He may develope into a BIG team leader and starter at some point. Unless injured CM will be at the helm and I suspect Lester is all in on that.

Sullivan is probably ready but he may just not be as good as Cade at this point. Most likely he's the starting QB next year. I say he's probably ready because he has already been a starter in this conference. He made one bad play yesterday.

 

[yrunvs]

Much higher expectations on the QB between Northwestern and Iowa.

 

[Tom Paris]

Much higher expectations on the QB between Northwestern and Iowa.

By who??? What? I guess I don't understand this comment.