Kirk says offense is ready.........
- Thread starter BigD
- Start date
NorthKCHawk
Well-Known Member
At this point last year we could accurately state that the offense has nowhere to go but up. We can't say that this year. Lester exceeded my expectations for his first season at the helm, installing an NFL offense, and playing to his strengths. Despite having almost zero playmaking ability at the QB position, he rode a veteran OL and NFL running back to showcase a thoroughly average, but competent offense.
This season, the OL should be as good or better, the RB position will take a half a step back, but the WR position will be better. The QB play SHOULD be appreciably more skilled, and that is what gets me excited. If Lester can take the worst offense in the country and make it average with bad QB play, imagine what things will look like with good or even great QB play. He and the players are also in the second year of the offense, so there should be more comfort with the system. Hard not to be optimistic.
BigD
Well-Known Member
Might also see a more finesse type of backfield and more passing to the running backs. Using those much-improved receivers to extend the opponents secondary, thus opening the midrange passes to the running backs. Let's hope mouton lava catches on fire.
NorthKCHawk
Well-Known Member
Certainly part of the Shanahan offense is using the short passing game as an extension of the run. Lester was wise to not go all in last year with a true Shanahan offense given the downhill power runner he had at RB and an OL that was schooled in power zone blocking. He kept it simple, especially given the bad options he was dealt at QB. This year's offense should better resemble what Lester wants the offense to be. Multiple passing threats both vertically and horizontally to get the ball out quickly in space to playmakers, but with a downhill running threat to keep the defense off balance. Iowa has not been unpredictable or dynamic on offense in a decade. Or more. Will be fun seeing conference DCs have to actually prepare for Iowa for a change!
BigD
Well-Known Member
Totally agree,
Anxiously waiting for kickoff to see a more complete Lester offense this year.
Hawkboys
Well-Known Member
Need an OLine for any of this, which is why I'm cautiously optimistic
HawkPowerlifter
Well-Known Member
I am definitely much more optimistic about the offense. I think it depends on the how effective the offensive line play is. IF they can be effective, I think this offense cooks. I think we need that offense to be on the field as I see plenty of question marks at defense that need to be answered. Even if the defense takes a step back, if the offense can eat clock and put points on the board, I am thinking this team can be dangerous.
The thing about the offense going into this yr is the excuses are gone. They landed a QB they wanted. They even landed a couple transfer QBs to back him up they like. If they can shore up the LT spot the Oline should be better then last yr and they were dang good last yr. RB room is deep and talented with diverse skill sets amongst them. Same for WRs they have a couple taller long armed X guys in Howard and RVZ and a bunch of smaller quicker fast guys. They have a couple experienced TEs They might not be looked at 1st rd NFL talent but I think they can get the job done. And we have an OC that knows what he's doing to put it all together.
Do we need to have a top 25 O to be a top 25 team? Obviously not so long as the D does the heavy lifting and special teams continues to be dominant. So here's to hoping they get off to a hot healthy start
The ISU game is crucial to how the year goes. My biggest fear is that with it being the second game, the offense won't have hit its stride yet. I think the offense takes some meaningful leaps forward this year. The question is going to be how quickly will it come together?
