First Look: The 2011 Iowa Offense

[HawkeyeMike23]

Ferentz is treating Norm's health VERY carefully. They're trying to handle it so that we'll be able to RETAIN Norm in the long term. Thus, I don't anticipate that we'll be losing Norm.

As for losing so many starters on D ... sure, there will definitely be SOME drop-off.

However, you shouldn't forget who we RETURN. Defenses, much like football squads, are "built" ... and its strength is reliant on the strength of its FOUNDATIONS. Thus, from there you have to look at the players who will comprise the foundations of the 2011 D. I think that if you really break it down ... you'll come away much less nervous.

2011 D ... THE FOUNDATION:

DL:
Weight bearing "walls": Binns (SR), Daniels (SR), Daniel (SR)
Extra "supports" (proven): Nardo (SR), Forgy (SR), Bigach (JR)

LB:
Weight bearing "walls": Nielsen (SR)
Extra "supports" (proven): B. Davis (SR), Morris (SO)

S:
Weight bearing "walls": Sash (SR)
Extra "supports" (proven): Bernstine (SR), Donatell (SR), N. Nielsen (JR), Miller (SO)

CB:
Weight bearing "walls": Prater (SR), Hyde (JR), Castillo (JR)
Extra "supports" (proven): Bernstine (SR), Lowe (SR)

REMARK: I included underclassmen like Morris and Miller because of the extensive quality experience that they have been gaining thus far through the season. I almost also included Alvis on the DL ... however, I erred on the side of including the upperclassman, Forgy (whom I've heard positive buzz about).


2011 D ... other particularly promising "building materials":

DL - Alvis (SO), Trinca-Pasat (RS FR), Johnson (RS FR), C. Davis (RS FR)

LB - Kirksey (SO), DiBona (SO), Poggi (RS FR)

S - Hitchens (SO)

CB - Lowery (SO)



FINAL REMARKS:
Let me also remind folks that Iowa had to replace A TON of quality starters on D going from 2001 to 2002 ... and, all the same, the D still managed to be pretty impressive in 2002. Similarly, Iowa had SEVEN first year starters on the D in 2008 ... and that still managed to be one of our better Hawk Ds. To remind you, Clayborn (SO), Ballard (SO), Angerer (JR), Hunter (SO), Sash (RS FR), Fletcher (SR), and Spievey (SO) were EACH first year full-time starters in 2008.

Also, folks were highly skeptical about our ability to replace King, Kroul, and Fletcher after the '08 season ... and yet the '09 D ended up being EVEN BETTER!!!

I think the 2002 comparison is a really good one. I anticipate next year's defense to follow the same trends as 2002 did, start off a little slow but grow into a very good defense by the end of the year. Hopefully the offense can win a shootout or two early in the year if they have to.

 

[1977Hawkeye]

Sounds like next year's offense could definitely be a strength. Unfortunately, our defense is going to take a big hit. I have confidence that the coaches have been recruiting the types of players that are needed to keep a good defense going forward in the next few years, but you just can't lose THAT much talent all in one year without missing a beat. I'm sure the guys will be talented, but they will still have a learning curve. We've got some good guys coming back, but there will definitely be some holes to fill.

At first glance, I almost wonder if next year's team will be like a blend of the 2002 offense with the 2005 defense.. We might be having to outscore our opponents at times next year, but all indications are that we should be able to do so in most cases..

 

[trj]

Looking at the schedule and who we are losing I would say 8-4/7-5 range...........That is based on not really any homework, guys leaving from other teams, how Vandenberg developes, etc.

 

[JonDMiller]

I will lay out my defensive thoughts tonight, and there is no way to replace the collective talent up front that this year's D has...but the true strength of the Iowa defense is their system...player responsibilities, and the kids willing to do what they are supposed to do on a play even if that means just turning things a direction so someone else doing his job can make the tackle.

Binns isn't jumping out on the stat sheet this year, but notice how well he keeps contain and forces things inside so the LB's can clean it up and a backside pursuing DL can get a hit, too.

 

[Iowafarmgirl]

Will Paki O'Meara be back for his 14th season in a Hawkeye uniform?

 

[homerHAWKeye777]

Sounds like next year's offense could definitely be a strength. Unfortunately, our defense is going to take a big hit. I have confidence that the coaches have been recruiting the types of players that are needed to keep a good defense going forward in the next few years, but you just can't lose THAT much talent all in one year without missing a beat. I'm sure the guys will be talented, but they will still have a learning curve. We've got some good guys coming back, but there will definitely be some holes to fill.

At first glance, I almost wonder if next year's team will be like a blend of the 2002 offense with the 2005 defense.. We might be having to outscore our opponents at times next year, but all indications are that we should be able to do so in most cases..

I disagree. Iowa's D will take a bigger hit going into the 2012 season.

 

[StatelineHawk]

Great article. I think it all comes down to Vandenberg. He is going to have high expectations coming into the season.... which might not be a good thing.
Also- I'm a little concerned with depth at WR. We need 2-3 WR's to really step up and compliment KD and MM. Who's going to return punts?
I see us being a running team next year (65% of the time) with a nice stable of RB's. We are due for a healthy year at that position next year, and if Jewel can come back strong we will look good there, with a stron OL coming back.

I too have a few concerns about Vandy. He will be a year older and more experienced, but 12 points in 7 quarters against NW and Minny does cause concern. Hope he is great, but i have not been able to jump on his bandwagon yet. Hope Jewel can come back strong, but there is no guarantee even if healthy he will beat out A. Rob.