This Teams X Factor?

MelroseHawkins

MelroseHawkins

Well-Known Member
Jonathan Parker could end up being this teams X factor on offense to loosen up the D to open more up. If Iowa can get him involved 4-6 more times a game on O, it could really help to get the D off balance a bit. Parker quietly led Iowa against Purdue in all purpose yards, but most came on KO returns. But, he showed what he can do once he gets the ball in open space.

I think the coaches have seen this in practice as well. He has speed. I think the Iowa O really needs to get about 8 passes a game somehow to RB's to keep the D honest. they only had a couple last Saturday, with Parker having the longest run after catch (tipped ball). Even if all are not successful, at least you get into the head of the D that that possibility might happen.

I think Parker will continue to have an expanded role as the year goes on. That's it!
 


The coaches have seen it in practice, that is why he started the year returning kicks.

Parker and CJ seem to have some sort of symbiotic relationship. Others have suggested that CJ may feel more comfortable running the veer with him.

He could be a very special player for us by the time he is done. I think he may have earned himself some more playing time.
 


Good speed.

I am also pleased that he got back on the field after what had to have been the worst game of his life.

I like what he brings to the offense.
 


I think we have several players who could elevate this team to be very good:

1. Greg Mabin - if he continues to improve to where we can go man on man a lot on the two outside receivers with mabin and King that makes things much better for the lbkrs and safeties, allows more ability for blitzing,

2. ^^ I agree with Parker. Just his speed and elusiveness. Need to get one deeper wheel type route to him and canzeri a game.

3. CJ was still an unknown quantity, not with his arm strength, but with his accuracy. His pick 6 was an accuracy problem, maybe not opening up his hips enough, but that throw was there if he makes it low and to the outside (as the NFL people like to say "so only the receiver could get it). I really like Jake too and I think he can put more zip on the ball but mostly doesnt but after watching some VINES and Gifs boy CJ can zip that ball where the defenders cant hardly get their hands up in time.
 




As long as X does not = fumble. Hopefully he learned from that near disaster against Ball State. Super quick though so you have to try and utilize that when needed.
 


The 2 plays in a row to Parker and Powell didn't look like iowa football at all. Man those guys are fast and shifty. I wish we would run more plays designed specifically for one guy to get in space and make a play.
 




Botched exchanges happen in the NFL so unless he makes a habit of it it's not a big deal. I don't think you can really learn how to not fumble when someone puts their helmet right on the ball.

If he would have gotten stripped twice in one game while running through a hole it would be one thing but these two fumbles were so vastly different from each other that it's probably not a sign of a problem.
 


On offense I'd say there are 4 X factor players: CJ, Willies, Parker, & Powell

All haven't played as much this year as they should have and all bring athletic skills to the table that cause teams problems. Will they get to play?

On defense, Jewell is my pick. He brings it on every play. I still remember the thread bashing his scholarship offer.
 








Parker and hawk fans were the beneficiary of a fortuitous injury that allowed Parker to play the 3rd down back. The role will be his full time next year.
 


It will be interesting to see how Anthony Gear develops. When Lomax was ejected for targeting, Gear had problems at the end of the ISU game.

Its also interesting how quickly Lomax and Mabin seem to be progressing. Soon Iowa's secondary will be considered one of its strengths.

On offense, Duzey is known for catching a lot of passes, but could you imagine if Hamilton and Krieger-coble starting catching more passes?
 




man it was fun to see Powell and Parker making plays. Willies missed what looked to be a couple of hot reads too, so coaches are trying to get the playmakers the ball. Willies missed the read.

Also, with Powell fumble on KO return a week ago, plus catch and pitch to Pitt defender for INT, you can maybe see why it takes a while to earn the staff's trust in games if similar snafus happen in practice. Same for CJB, he has been too inconsistent during practice per staff and sometimes it's hard to weigh the pros and cons of x-factor vs inconsistency to justify unseating a steady starter.
 


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