Replace Kaleb Johnson this season
- Thread starter Lipitapaul
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If you have half of a brain you respond and repeat ad nauseum with the simple minded “run the ball” nonsense. In 1906, the rules were changed to make the forward pass legal in college football.
Iowa hired a new offensive coordinator, Tim Lester, in 2024. Lester is a well known proponent of the Shanahan offensive scheme which is a variation of the West Coast offense. Expect increase use of passing schemes, especially play-action as well as timing passes as Iowa offense further implements this offense. The Iowa offense is being modernized.
As other posters have mentioned, Johnson will be replaced by committee - in this case, experienced RBs who will also be more involved in the passing game, another aspect of Lester’s offense.
Iowa hired a new offensive coordinator, Tim Lester, in 2024. Lester is a well known proponent of the Shanahan offensive scheme which is a variation of the West Coast offense. Expect increase use of passing schemes, especially play-action as well as timing passes as Iowa offense further implements this offense. The Iowa offense is being modernized.
As other posters have mentioned, Johnson will be replaced by committee - in this case, experienced RBs who will also be more involved in the passing game, another aspect of Lester’s offense.
Considering we were near the bottom in passing, you make up alot of that lost production in yards and TDs by having a better passing game.
Kirk Ferentz will be 70 in two weeks. Kyle Shanahan is 45."Modernized"
When Shanahan was still in diapers and learning to walk, Ferentz was coaching at Iowa under Hayden Fry RIP.
The Shanahan offensive scheme being implemented by Tim Lester at Iowa is a widely recognized modern adaptation of the West Coast offense.
Ken O’keefe, Greg Davis, Brian Frrentz. Not the Shanahan offense. What Brian F’n Ferentz put on the field was nothing close to Lester’s scheme ….or “modern football” for that matter.
Johnson is an RB you get once, maybe every 10 years. Shown Greene was the last RB I remember who was as good as he was. Moulton and Jazz have a lot of potential to be a great tandem. Two different running styles that can wear down the defense and be used situationally. But I expect Lester to not be as run heavy this year because we have an actual QB that can throw accurately. We leaned so heavily on Johnson last year because that was the only thing that worked offensively. But our WR corps is dare I say, actually deep this year.
Being able to have the same qb take 80% of the snaps will make a huge difference. He also isn't built like a lineman and (to my knowledge) made of glass. 2 or 3 backs can combine to get close to KJ's production, but an actual passing game can alleviate the need for that. When was the last time Iowa had a top 3 offensive skill player (at their position) and a 10 win team? 2002? Balance will be the best option.
Moulton gets 800 yards and Jaz gets 700 but seriously both of those running backs can really run especially if the holes are there. KalebJ had some really great pass catches for big yards and TDs.
Once again it comes down to the OLIne, a better QB will really help, better receivers will help and right now I think that the team has these. We have at least two very good TEnds.
Some people just don’t get it. Try running the ball down 3 on your own 20 yard line with less than a minute to go and no timeouts. See how far that gets you.
You simply MUST have a passing game. Iowa has not really had much of a passing threat in years. That makes it extremely difficult to put together a late game drive for a tying/go ahead score. Or to help extend drives to put a game away. Heck…..look at the “Fair Catch” game. Fans forget the Hawks (despite the bad call by the officials) still had the ball close to midfield and only needed about 20 yards to get in FG range with plenty of time to do it….and couldn’t move the ball AT ALL.
The only rushing number I really care about is duplicating or improving on.
That's 5.12
That's 5.12
We got good backs and a very good OL. And nothing will open the run lanes more than some play action by a QB who can complete a 10 yard pass.
"Different" doesn't necessarily mean "modern".
The main reason KF was interested in TL was the fact that his system was very compatible to what Iowa had done for decades.
Many of the West Coast concepts Iowa uses are over 50 years old.
The Shanahan stuff is newer. But what's to make it "modern", rather than just "different"?
Ben Johnson runs his stuff a little differently. Andy Reid runs his West Coast differently than Shanahan. None of their offenses are any more "modern" than the others.
"Modernization" is a fan narrative.
Iowa has run NFL scheme on offense for the entirety of KF's tenure.
And since you brought it up, Brian's offense was heavy in Patriots' concepts. But based on your posting history, you probably only characterize BF by '22 and '23, which is so thoroughly laughable.
Yes, circumstances in '22 and '23 caused the playbook to be pared down. (And Iowa is still reaping the benefits of that adjustment, to this day).
But the playbook was never the problem
Run the ball more to avoid playing from behind.
Abandoning the run the last two series vs Missouri sure left a lot to be desired.
Some people just don't get it. The reason Iowa couldn't move the ball vs Minnesota is because their O-line and QB weren't good enough, largely due to circumstances that were out of anybody's control. It wasn't as if Iowa didn't value production in the passing game. In Lester’s first season, Iowa ran the ball far more than in recent years.
Iowa "hasn't had much of a passing threat in years". Yet they've been one of the most successful programs in the country over the last decade. So no, a passing game hasn't been a "MUST"
Yes, we all know Brian had nothing to do with our stale offense. He also apparently had nothing to do with roster management over his tenure. If I didn’t know better I would swear he posts on this board in a way that puts him in jeopardy of breaking his own arm jerking himself off.
I see ol' Eyes, the Fountain Of Knowledge, made it to On3.
Should be interesting.
Should be interesting.
Roster management had nothing to do with the offense going from functional to broken
KJ was an amazing RB. We were fortunate to have him and may not see another like him anytime soon.
But many of his long TD runs were so well blocked the returning RB's could have scored on them as well.
Also -
KJ 6.4 yds per carry
Jaz 5.6 yds per carry
KM 4.0 yds per carry
Jaz ad KM are pretty good too,
But many of his long TD runs were so well blocked the returning RB's could have scored on them as well.
Also -
KJ 6.4 yds per carry
Jaz 5.6 yds per carry
KM 4.0 yds per carry
Jaz ad KM are pretty good too,
Good thing he did. We need him to edumucate us on the following:
- Run. The. Ball.
- 0-0
- Passing is for communists.
- The Iowa offense was always fine and Brian was a victim.
If by interesting you mean the same old thoroughly discredited shiite then yes, fascinating indeed.
I really believe we have one of the best backfields but it will certainly be by committee. I think Jaz will get the load but Moulton seems to get the attention of the coaches. Washington will be fine as well plus the young guys.
Obviously, the passing game has been one of the worst in the Big Ten so thats a clear spot to improve. I'm hoping to have a lot more from that department as many of you have mentioned. Having a capable qb should help that. I'm still not sold on this offensive line. Lot's of missed blocks and lots of pressure. Part of that was due to the QB play, I do understand that. I think the o line has the ability to be good individually it will just be about coming together.
Obviously, the passing game has been one of the worst in the Big Ten so thats a clear spot to improve. I'm hoping to have a lot more from that department as many of you have mentioned. Having a capable qb should help that. I'm still not sold on this offensive line. Lot's of missed blocks and lots of pressure. Part of that was due to the QB play, I do understand that. I think the o line has the ability to be good individually it will just be about coming together.
Yeah I am leaning to more of a run/pass balance. We have good backs no doubt but our best skilled player on offense if the QB and I want us to leverage that. With our o-line and a balanced offense between run/pass, this could be a ton of fun. Also looking forward to seeing Wetjen on misdirection runs. Looked pretty sharp at the spring practice. We are getting closer boys and girls!
Might there be something specific you're referring to?
Seems to me that I'm the one usually doing the discrediting
Please point out how many top 25 wins the Hawks have had in that decade. Iowa punches down (or their own weight class) very well, entirely because defense. They cannot punch up AT ALL in recent history. Because they have been one dimensional on offense. Iowa should try running the ball more and see if it will finally work against a ranked opponent??
Iowa ran more last year because the WRs didn't even know what coverages they were seeing (and KJ went nuts). Go listen to Lester and Chuck Long on the Hawkeye Report podcast. It is an eye opening chat about how insanely inept BF was as the OC. You will also hear Tim and Chuck both admit that the offense should not have worked as well as it did last year BECAUSE it was too one dimensional - but KJ was that special.
TLDR: your takes are wrong or you know something Tim Lester, Chuck Long and everyone that has watched, played, or coached football in the past 30 years.
What have I said that's been "wrong"?
Would love to hear your specific answer, since much of what you've said here isn't even in realtion to the post of mine you've attached.
The stat book says Iowa is like one of five teams in the country to have won 8+ games in the last nine non-covid seasons. But I couldn't find any mention in the book of your opinion of the schedules. And I feel sorry for you that you minimize winning.
You are continuing what's been wild mischaracterization of Lester’s comments with Long. He was referring to receivers defining coverage through motion. Lester uses as lot of motion. Brian didn't use as much. And circumstances in '22 and '23 essentially forced the staff to pare down the playbook. For the purposes of simplification, and a long term approach of rebuilding brick-by-brick (which Iowa is reaping the benefits of to this day), almost no motion was used in Brian's last two seasons. Certainly not used as the fundamental that it is to Lester’s offense. So it's not surprising the receivers needed more reps of it to become fundamental. It's also not surprising that media and fans have turned Lester’s comment into a commentary about BF. BF was never mentioned in the podcast
What have I said that's been "wrong"?
Would love to hear your specific answer, since much of what you've said here isn't even in realtion to the post of mine you've attached.
The stat book says Iowa is like one of five teams in the country to have won 8+ games in the last nine non-covid seasons. But I couldn't find any mention in the book of your opinion of the schedules. And I feel sorry for you that you minimize winning.
You are continuing what's been wild mischaracterization of Lester’s comments with Long. He was referring to receivers defining coverage through motion. Lester uses as lot of motion. Brian didn't use as much. And circumstances in '22 and '23 essentially forced the staff to pare down the playbook. For the purposes of simplification, and a long term approach of rebuilding brick-by-brick (which Iowa is reaping the benefits of to this day), almost no motion was used in Brian's last two seasons. Certainly not used as the fundamental that it is to Lester’s offense. So it's not surprising the receivers needed more reps of it to become fundamental. It's also not surprising that media and fans have turned Lester’s comment into a commentary about BF. BF was never mentioned in the podcast
That's the key that nobody is talking about. Several times in the last few years, we had like 3 talented O linemen, but still had subpar OL performance. Why was that? Were the other 2 that bad? Was the OL coach not capable of getting them to play as a unit? Were the schemes so bad that good OL performance was impossible?
Which do you think it was and has that been improved to the point where that position will not be our weakest?
Wow... Eyesofhawk can fit BFs balls in his mouth along with the entire mccaffery family's??! Impressive
Iowa's O-line was hit with massive attrition prior to the '22 season. 7 players that were projected to have been in the o-line rotation in '22 did not play one snap.
It left them with a group of players that weren't ready to play yet in '22. Part of that was by design. Iowa had, for years, recruited some o-lineman that were undersized, but had good feet, and then built them up through Doyle, who was a top strength and conditioning coach. So it made sense that a bunch of guys that weren't projected to play yet, weren't yet physically ready to do so.
Compounding the problem was the covid shutdown early in the developmental stages for these o-lineman. Sure, every program had complications with their strength and conditioning programs during the shutdown. But:
1. Iowa's group of o-lineman were already intentionally undersized and had catch up work to do.
2. This catch up work was further stunted with the loss of Doyle at that time. One would have to assume that Iowa's S&C program, as a whole, took at least somewhat of a hit during that transition period.
3. The player's whose development was stunted by the covid shutdown were too early forced into action.
Yes, as that group has developed, we've seen some talent emerge. They were inexperienced in '22. And yes, raw in their group functioning. But what we saw primarily, was an O-line that didn't have one player that was yet big and strong enough to get the job done.
It resulted in the worst O-line at Iowa in at least 40 years, and a non-functional offense. People can say what they want about scheme. The scheme never kept Iowa's offense from being functional before the o-line was broken.
So the staff decided to re-build brick-by-brick. KF told us it would be a slow re-build. No gimmicks or cutting corners. He knew that his lineman couldn't get physically strong enough over night.
A couple of portal lineman were brought in for '23. KF was again transparent. Said he expected some growth from the O-line, but that there was still a lot of needed development. The line was able to take a step forward. They got some millage out of the staff adjustment to more gap scheme blocking. But any further growth from the o-line, and offense as a whole, was stunted by significant snaps having to be taken by an emergency QB.
Before Lester was even hired, KF told us to expect a significant jump in production from the offense in '24, as he knew the o-line was developed, and would be in a good place. I'm not sure how you could say it was a weak point for Iowa last year. They were a semi-finalist for the Joe Moore award, and Iowa led the league in rushing.
I expect Iowa's o-line to be even better this season. They are expected to be one of the best in the country.
Run the ball
Not sure where you've gotten that idea.
I've only called out fans and media for doing what they do.
I've extensively called out McCaffery over the years. So you're just continuing to make yourself look silly.
Read better, pedophile
I see your explanation and appreciate your stance. I do think there was a little more to it with the lack of recruiting and some misses on the o-line.
Again, you have your opinion and I know where you lie but I do not see the big growth in the offensive line. Here is my counter argument.
Despite running the ball a majority of the time, it was Iowa's inability to pass protect that led to several problems. You can argue scheme or qb or whatever but Iowa's O-line tied for the most sacks given up in the Big Ten.
I know our guys are highly rated but the issue of coming together is a problem. I am a habitual replay watcher in the stadium to see what allowed a play to happen. There were a lot of missed blocks on that o-line. Some were just getting beat. That will happen. Others were guys not touched on the line with miscommunication on assignments.
Kaleb Johnson doesn't get enough credit. Over 1,000 of KJ's yards came after contact, even with stacked boxes. He was also 2nd in the nation for breakaway yardage meaning he didn't get tackled when he got in the open which led to massive chunk yardage making our team stats look better (not that it was fake or unearned, we just couldn't move the ball consistently).
Don't get me wrong, I am hoping like heck this line comes together and kicks butt. They have guys who have experience but my two cents says I need to see more.
Who exactly on the o-line was a recruiting miss? If one of the guys that got injured, or transfered, or quit, was a recruiting miss, we'll never know. As for the youngsters that filled in; they've since developed into guys that are either in NFL camps or are highly rated going into the '25 college season.
I don't necessarily see "big growth" in the o-line from last year. But I do expect them to be better.
As for the growth of the line since '22/'23, it has been tremendous.
The pass blocking will improve as qb and wr play gets better, and as the offense becomes more familiar for all involved.
Yes, Kaleb helped the line look good in some spots. But much more so, the line made K2's life easier. K2 indeed, was an improved back last season. But in previous seasons, when running room was scarce, K2 could do very little on his own
I don't know, he had a solid freshman season with almost 6 ypc and almost 800 yards with almost 100 less carries than last year. Sophomore season was rough but he also didn't get as many carries either.