Running Game Thoughts

[WinOneThisCentury]

Two games in and I'm going to call the Brian Ferentz run game coordinator move a success to this point. The running game is always a work in progress early in the year for most every team, but we are doing things on the OL that have made a huge difference. Pulling people depending on how the DL is lining up is working really, really well. Considering these guys, other than Blythe, are really young players, I think this bodes well for the future, this season and beyond. We are much more varied in the blocking schemes and it's made a huge difference early. It's been impressive.

Right now, the Daniels / Canzeri twosome is a big step up from last year. Huge. They get to the holes and at least are picking the right seam most of the time. That being said, we don't have that dynamic player at RB with speed and vision that puts huge pressure on the defense to stop them...or creates on his own. I'm hoping Mitchell can be that guy...or maybe we give Wadley another shot. I rarely agree with Matt Millen, but he was right...we need that guy that stresses the defense with speed to the edge. Our play action was great yesterday, but can you imagine how much you can get a defense (safeties) to bite with a homerun hitter in your backfield. Canzeri had a few runs yesterday, where a simple cut inside since there was outside pressure, would have yielded a huge gain as the OL was pushing the line of scrimmage down the field on the interior. I'm sure the play was designed off tackle, but a RB has got to see that. One in particular, was one of the short yardage plays at the end of the half.

When the competition steps up, the seams get smaller and the windows shorter...I'm hoping Mitchell can be of assistance and gets healthy. I think he can provide some additional pop.

 

[hawkeyebob62]

I think if Canzeri gets more carries he will make those adjustments. I like Daniels, but Canzeri is much more worthy of being more than just a 3rd-down back,

 

[1105Kickoff]

We also have running backs there now instead of a fullback. Nothing against Weisman, but he was not a RB.

 

[HawkeyesWin]

There drop off is pretty steep after #2. Need more depth.

 

[imported_ankle23]

There drop off is pretty steep after #2. Need more depth.

will have to see mitchell play first. he is hurt - wadley at #4 - he needs to hold on to the ball.

 

[okieviaiowa]

no problems with Brian ... if the Kirk game plan is to move on in 2020 and have Brian take over by that time I would say his resume would be worthy of consideration ... seems like a good guy, solid recruiter and have to think nationally considered one of the rising young coaches in the asst ranks

 

[shonblatt]

I think if Canzeri gets more carries he will make those adjustments. I like Daniels, but Canzeri is much more worthy of being more than just a 3rd-down back,

There's no question Canzeri has the speed/vision/moves to be an effective RB. It's his durability that's in question. I'm not sure he can handle 20 carries a game through a Big Ten season without getting nicked up.

I'd switch Daniels and Canzeri out situationally to take advantage of their different skill sets. Maybe even have both in at once, with Canzeri motioning to the slot or out wide.

 

[WinOneThisCentury]

I think Brian has watched the film of Ohio State last year...and saw what they did to teams last year. OSU spreads you out and fold blocks to get an advantage at the line of scrimmage...then Elliot just needs to get to the second level and it's all over. Don't get me wrong...I like Daniels and Canzeri (more for 3rd down and occasionally spelling your #1 guy), but it's never all over after they get to the second level. I get those guys (Elliot, Abdulla, Melvin Gordon) are special players, our last was S. Greene, but man, as a running team...we have to be able to recruit one of those guys.

Think about next year...you will have four guys back on the OL (Welch, Meyers, Ike and the young Daniels), an experienced QB, and hopefully some young receivers that get some time (Smith / Ogwo) this year. Plus you throw in a few great OL recruiting classes the last few years and you have a huge battle for the other guard spot. The future is bright on offense and defense right now.

 

[hwk23]

A legitimate big play threat at QB equals a greatly improved chance of running game success. That's all.

 

[cincyhawk]

There's no question Canzeri has the speed/vision/moves to be an effective RB. It's his durability that's in question. I'm not sure he can handle 20 carries a game through a Big Ten season without getting nicked up.

I'd switch Daniels and Canzeri out situationally to take advantage of their different skill sets. Maybe even have both in at once, with Canzeri motioning to the slot or out wide.

Durability seems to be a huge Daniel's problem. Both backs are made out of paper, but I think that's a symptom of the Hawkeye style of offense in the modern age.

Most RBs are just not going to be able to run the ball 25 times a game anymore. Defenses are bigger and faster than they used to be, so they hit harder, and offenses run more plays than they used to, meaning less time between plays for recovery. This means more fatigue and fatigue leads to injury.

You need two or three good RBs to run Iowa's system at Iowa's tempo, and Iowa doesn't have that type of depth. You have to use 'em till you lose 'em, and hope that you don't lose 'em all at the same time. You aren't going to get through a season without an injured RB at Iowa unless that RB is extra-special 235 lb speedster like SG was. Those players only come around once or twice in a coach's tenure.

Purported (not evidential) durability analysis aside, Canzeri is the better back. He has better vision, better quickness, better top speed, and better pass-catching ability. He's not as good between the tackles, but teams are going to put 8 men in the box and make those yards hard to come by anyway. In short yardage situations, it may be better to run QB draws than HB dives this year.

Wadley needs to take a page from the program and start carrying a football with him everywhere around practice while other teammates try to take it from him whenever they see him, with severe physical conditioning consequences, cause we're going to need him at some point this season.

 

[WinOneThisCentury]

I really think Wadley could help this team if he could hold onto the ball. He can maximize seams with his vision and ability to get there...it's a different level of quickness to Daniels and Canzeri. There is one thing you can't do in KF's mind...drop the ball...otherwise you ride the pine...for a long time. KF has made some progressive changes to staff and strategy...this is one area I don't think anyone can convince him to lighten up.

He's gotten opps...he just hasn't held onto it...that's not KF's fault. I'd give him another chance this week...and if he puts it on the ground...well...no one's fault but his own.

 

[imported_ankle23]

I really think Wadley could help this team if he could hold onto the ball. He can maximize seams with his vision and ability to get there...it's a different level of quickness to Daniels and Canzeri. There is one thing you can't do in KF's mind...drop the ball...otherwise you ride the pine...for a long time. KF has made some progressive changes to staff and strategy...this is one area I don't think anyone can convince him to lighten up.

He's gotten opps...he just hasn't held onto it...that's not KF's fault. I'd give him another chance this week...and if he puts it on the ground...well...no one's fault but his own.

honest question - would you have wanted the ball in wadley's hands when the game was on the line yeseterday Q4? i was thinking of this at that time - i think you know the answer.

 

[WinOneThisCentury]

nope...I think KF made the right decision in going with Canzeri the entire second half...it was ironic that Canzeri fumbled though...but the hit was right on the ball and it may have been just one of those that was difficult to prevent.

 

[BleednGumsMrphy]

honest question - would you have wanted the ball in wadley's hands when the game was on the line yeseterday Q4? i was thinking of this at that time - i think you know the answer.

I love watching Wadley and think he can be a great running back. But with a close game and his trend of fumbling I don't want the ball in his hands. (ironic pun intended)

 

[PCHawk]

honest question - would you have wanted the ball in wadley's hands when the game was on the line yeseterday Q4? i was thinking of this at that time - i think you know the answer.

No way in the 4th quarter. I wouldn't hate giving him some carries early on though. I would definitely be on the edge of my seat though.

 

[imported_ankle23]

nope...I think KF made the right decision in going with Canzeri the entire second half...it was ironic that Canzeri fumbled though...but the hit was right on the ball and it may have been just one of those that was difficult to prevent.

i don't think there has ever been a RB with zero fumbles. canzeri has shown to be very reliable.

the thing about wadley - as a coach - you don't want to make him a head case either - the sword cuts both ways.

 

[imported_ankle23]

No way in the 4th quarter. I wouldn't hate giving him some carries early on though. I would definitely be on the edge of my seat though.

in this game, i would have hated to give it to him at any point - especially the way 29/33 were running the ball.

 

[FCAS]

Walsh has been a bulldozer, particularly late in the game

 

[HawkeyeMHA]

My thoughts are that we actually did make some holes. Off tackle was where we did the best. Running backs did a nice job of finding them and timing them. I was pleasantly surprised

 

[PCHawk]

in this game, i would have hated to give it to him at any point - especially the way 29/33 were running the ball.

Agreed.