So, Tight Ends that have shown no consistency and have disappeared a key moments of key games are suddenly going to be "no problem?"
12 of Fiedorowicz's catches (out of 16 for the season) came in the last 4 games including all three TDs
So, losing three NFL linemen and replacing them with guys with VERY little starting experience is "no problem?"
9 players vying for 5 spots including possibly 4 players with starts if MacMillan comes back- opponents losses equal or are worse in first five games + 5 de facto home games to start season followed by bye should be time to have the "five best" for the meat of the season
So, a defensive line that only returns two reserves that got run over consistently last season and one guy coming off an ACL injury and no upper-classmen as reserves is "no problem?"
This is going to be a problem all season long
So, losing half of your defensive backfield is "no problem?"
again return 3 corners and 1 safety with significant experience and again I will point to the schedule- NIU decimated on offense QB, lose 12 seniors just from offense in depth chart as well as 4 multi year starting o-lineman. ISU has significant losses on offense plus an inexperienced coordinator, Minnesota still in transition offensively and lose a ton on that side of the ball as well. Iowa isn't going to face a potent passing attack possibly all season
So, losing Neilson, who finally plugged the whole in the middle of the defense is "no problem?"
Morris and Kirksey will fill two spots ably, and no matter how well the linebackers play there are going to be issues because of projected issue at d-line
So, losing a guy who had more catches than the next two guys combined is "no problem?"
Iowa's receiving situation is arguably better stocked with known quantities in any season since 2010 and would be viewed as a potential strength in most seasons, Keenan and KMM had solid catch ratios (targets/ catches) and again will have time to develop because of soft early schedule. Also feel that Greg Davis will really have an impact in the passing game next season Iowa still returns 12 TDs receiving from last season
So, having your returning starting running back coming off a game in which he ran behind what might be 4 NFL linemen gain 58 yards on 22 carries is "no problem?"
I expect this to be an issue, but I like Iowa's offensive outlook for next season again because of the change at OC and the Charmin soft schedule
Here's what you guys are banking on making these things "no problem."
1) A four star true freshman running back comes in and dominates. How has the worked with the last three of these guys?
2) At least three freshmen or RS freshmen linemen come in and are dominant starters. Remember, Iowa only really does well when their D-line is more than adequate.
3) TE's to suddenly start performing at an entirely different level. One of which was a walk-on.
...
Next year is about development for 2013. If we get guys like Spears and Cooper up to speed and get some of the true freshmen some reps, then we will see them start being able to compete next year. Don't discount all the "those guys need to be built up" talk. That means, they are going to get their butts kicked and we need a coach who will be able to keep their heads straight while that is happening. In 2014 we have a chance to have a D line that is pretty good and in 2015 another monster.