Had Norm Parker Been With the Team Then What?

[jameskalina]

After some thought I'm beginning to think had Norm Parker been healthy all season long maybe the defense would have stopped maybe 3 of the 4 teams from late scores and put Iowa in a position to win the games they lost.

Iowa being down one coach (and a defensive coordinator) during preparation and planning week leading up to the game and also not having Norm's decision making and leadership skills during the 4th quarter was maybe too much for the defense to overcome or as Norm calls it, "putting out the fire".

What happens if Norm is in the press box providing feedback during the Wisconsin fake punt play? Maybe Norm would have seen what was coming and alerted Coach Ferentz to call a time out.

Granted, there is plenty of blame to pass around as the special teams and the offense had something to do with the 4 losses. But I'm starting to think that maybe had Norm Parker been healthy the defense would have stopped at least some of the opponents to preserve a victory even with the short comings of the special teams and offense.

With a healthy Norm Parker would this team have finished 11-1 or 10-2?

I know it's speculation. And we'll never know the answer. But, it's a talking point.

I'm interested in your thoughts.

 

[FromFry2Ferentz]

Maybe if the offense had scored more points they would have won the games, or maybe if the Special teams didn't miss all those PATs and Field Goals. Or given up the fake punt run, or the kick return for tds. Or maybe if the offense didn't turn the ball over in crucial situations, maybe just maybe Iowa would have won those game. Ya never know.

But I tend to agree, Norm has been coachcing forever, and hes been here with Ferentz the whole time. You gotta think that Ferentz has picked Norms brain a few times. And I think not having him has left Ferentz without his security blanket.

 

[CAARHawk]

It was really a killer. But part of the problem was KF not just going with a replacement at DC. I understand the philosophy. If you pick one guy and Norm doesn't return, which is highly likely, then you have to hire that guy or unceremoniously demote or fire him. You also send a message to others that they are not in the running. Finally, you would be sending Norm a message that he is being replaced.

However, by not making the decision, you end up with indecisive decision making, nobody truly being held accountable, and coaches being stretched across too many responsibilities, ie Wilson at co-DC, LB's, and ST's. Think that had anything to do with the fake punt?

 

[BlackGold57]

Thats a real question that has kinda gotten a pass. Based on the expectations for the defense, and the fact that they really could not finish games, I would say that may be one of the elephants in the room. With KF, you will probably never know.

 

[Ozhawk]

Our defense faded in the games because our offense left them on the field too much. You cannot expect guys to play full bore in the last 6 minutes of the game. WHich is why our defense relies on an effective offense to keep them at least able to stand up at the end of the game.

 

[BlackGold57]

Our defense faded in the games because our offense left them on the field too much. You cannot expect guys to play full bore in the last 6 minutes of the game. WHich is why our defense relies on an effective offense to keep them at least able to stand up at the end of the game.

Very valid point. Granted a few plays here and there and we would not be talking about it. But, did the offiense really do much last year either? Blocked punt at PSU for a TD, MSU we get 15 points or something, UNI same, Wisky don't remember much O there either. OSU decent, Indiana late maybe and NW an excuse I guess, GT not a lot. Offense did not light it up last year either.

One of the biggest questions is how we had a very capable recieving core this year and really not much to show for it on O. Way to much reliance on a ball control, non break away running game with a drop back type passer. Not saying it cant work, but when you are scared to use more than one back, with no running QB, its tougher.

 

[FromFry2Ferentz]

It also doesnt help when every experienced linebacker on the team is hurt or banged up in some way. And having an inexperienced player starting at cornerback.

The offense did struggle last year, but they were able to do some good things in the 4th quarter last year. This year not so much, like against IU the Hawkeyes struggled mightily on offense in that game. But managed to put up 28 in the 4th to win running away.

Its just disappointing because the offense seemed to be playing so well through the first 6 games of this season. Then they kind crapped out in the second half of the MSU game and have never been able to turn it back on.