Today's Performance Confiirms That the Best Players Weren't Always On Field in 2014

[iowalaw]

From even the most elementary laymans eyeball test, everyone from coaches to commentators to fans can agree that CJ has a superior skill set than Jake. It was obvious last year, and it was obvious this week in watching them play. CJ is more mobile, has a quicker release, a better arm, and better instincts. He also can hit the deep ball better. Jake played exactly the same for Mich as he did for Iowa. CJ played exactly the same this week that he did last year. WHY did it take Kirk a full wasted season to see that?

In addition, eyeball tests make clear that Mark Weismann (and his backup) was inferior to the two running backs who played behind him last year. It can't even be debated. Both guys today had a burst that Weismann never had. Both guys have vision he never had. Neither get drilled behind the line of scrimmage for loss of yards like he did. Both can get the tough yards AND go the distance, traits you need in a starting tailback. WHY did it take Kirk a full wasted season to see that?

Personnel mistakes cost us games last year. And these are just the glamour positions that everyone notices. Think about personnel mistakes in the trenches or at WR that no one can really tell were mistakes (i.e. Powell's misuse last year in favor of Stone and crew, and starting 2 walkon freshmen LB over better athletes come to mind).

If we could just get the best guys on the field regardless of politics and coaches pets, this could actually be a solid team! The assistant coaches need to step up and stand up for the position players they coach every day to ensure that the best players are on the field, regardless of politics. Davis is as much to blame for CJ riding the bench all last year as Kirk is. Too afraid to stand up to his boss, knowing that no other team will ever give him another chance after being fired by back to back poor offensive teams.

 

[HawkeyeWalker]

Re: Today's Performance Confiirms That the Best Players Weren't Always On Field in 20

tl,dr

Besides, iowalaw posted it. So we all know what it said

 

[SpiderRico]

Re: Today's Performance Confiirms That the Best Players Weren't Always On Field in 20

From even the most elementary laymans eyeball test, everyone from coaches to commentators to fans can agree that CJ has a superior skill set than Jake. It was obvious last year, and it was obvious this week in watching them play. CJ is more mobile, has a quicker release, a better arm, and better instincts. He also can hit the deep ball better. Jake played exactly the same for Mich as he did for Iowa. CJ played exactly the same this week that he did last year. WHY did it take Kirk a full wasted season to see that?

In addition, eyeball tests make clear that Mark Weismann (and his backup) was inferior to the two running backs who played behind him last year. It can't even be debated. Both guys today had a burst that Weismann never had. Both guys have vision he never had. Neither get drilled behind the line of scrimmage for loss of yards like he did. Both can get the tough yards AND go the distance, traits you need in a starting tailback. WHY did it take Kirk a full wasted season to see that?

Personnel mistakes cost us games last year. And these are just the glamour positions that everyone notices. Think about personnel mistakes in the trenches or at WR that no one can really tell were mistakes (i.e. Powell's misuse last year in favor of Stone and crew, and starting 2 walkon freshmen LB over better athletes come to mind).

If we could just get the best guys on the field regardless of politics and coaches pets, this could actually be a solid team! The assistant coaches need to step up and stand up for the position players they coach every day to ensure that the best players are on the field, regardless of politics. Davis is as much to blame for CJ riding the bench all last year as Kirk is. Too afraid to stand up to his boss, knowing that no other team will ever give him another chance after being fired by back to back poor offensive teams.

Just stop already! Last year is over and done with...nothing we can do about it now. Just enjoy the win for crimes sake!

By the way, it doesn't matter who we would have played at QB last year....the defense sucked bad enough that it wasn't gonna matter.

Great win today and look forward to seeing if we can carry the mo into next week!

 

[HawkeyeWalker]

Re: Today's Performance Confiirms That the Best Players Weren't Always On Field in 20

tl,dr

Besides, iowalaw posted it. So we all know what it said.

He couldn't enjoy the win, not even for a day.

 

[QuadCityHawkeye]

Re: Today's Performance Confiirms That the Best Players Weren't Always On Field in 20

All I know is it was a very good showing by Iowa and they played much better then I expected.

Props to the players and staff. That was fun to watch.

 

[DodgerHawki]

Re: Today's Performance Confiirms That the Best Players Weren't Always On Field in 20

From even the most elementary laymans eyeball test, everyone from coaches to commentators to fans can agree that CJ has a superior skill set than Jake. It was obvious last year, and it was obvious this week in watching them play. CJ is more mobile, has a quicker release, a better arm, and better instincts. He also can hit the deep ball better. Jake played exactly the same for Mich as he did for Iowa. CJ played exactly the same this week that he did last year. WHY did it take Kirk a full wasted season to see that?

In addition, eyeball tests make clear that Mark Weismann (and his backup) was inferior to the two running backs who played behind him last year. It can't even be debated. Both guys today had a burst that Weismann never had. Both guys have vision he never had. Neither get drilled behind the line of scrimmage for loss of yards like he did. Both can get the tough yards AND go the distance, traits you need in a starting tailback. WHY did it take Kirk a full wasted season to see that?

Personnel mistakes cost us games last year. And these are just the glamour positions that everyone notices. Think about personnel mistakes in the trenches or at WR that no one can really tell were mistakes (i.e. Powell's misuse last year in favor of Stone and crew, and starting 2 walkon freshmen LB over better athletes come to mind).

If we could just get the best guys on the field regardless of politics and coaches pets, this could actually be a solid team! The assistant coaches need to step up and stand up for the position players they coach every day to ensure that the best players are on the field, regardless of politics. Davis is as much to blame for CJ riding the bench all last year as Kirk is. Too afraid to stand up to his boss, knowing that no other team will ever give him another chance after being fired by back to back poor offensive teams.

Beathard I will give you, although making a QB change is by far the biggest move that can be made. In the context of last year, Rudock got hurt, Beathard played the 2nd half against Pitt and then Purdue, then Rudock came back for the Indiana game, played lights out. Beathard got dinged up at the end of the Indiana game so it was Rudock for the rest of the season.

For the running backs, Canzeri and Daniels were never healthy. Daniels got hurt against Maryland and was done. Canzeri played at less than 100% due to a camp injury all year. Looked nothing like what he looked like today. Iowa knew having Weisman as the RB was not the answer and tried working Wadley in there. He shined against Northwestern, then the fumble issues hit and they couldn't afford to play him. Wadley is probably the most-talented runner on the roster, but he can't play if he can't hold on to the ball. Looked great today until he fumbled on his 3rd carry.

KF has faults and issues, but being too dumb to not play the best players is not one of them (in my opinion). Changing QB's isn't like putting in a new guy in a video game. It has ripples throughout the team. In the end, Iowa made the right move after the bowl game and named Beathard the starter. Iowa wasn't beating Tennessee even if Beathard starts that game. Should be an interesting season if Beathard can stay healthy.

 

[Bigtenchamp]

Re: Today's Performance Confiirms That the Best Players Weren't Always On Field in 20

Were there really that many different guys?

I'm confused because I saw all the people I expected to play.

 

[lightning1]

Re: Today's Performance Confiirms That the Best Players Weren't Always On Field in 20

All I know is it was a very good showing by Iowa and they played much better then I expected.

Props to the players and staff. That was fun to watch.

Agreed. They were flying around, finishing blocks, making plays.

 

[ChosenChildren]

Re: Today's Performance Confiirms That the Best Players Weren't Always On Field in 20

Agreed. They were flying around, finishing blocks, making plays.

What a great game. Iowa was strong in all phases. The linebackers were really pursuing well to the ball, something we didn't see last year consistently.

You'll get an accurate read on this team after the next two weeks. ISU on the road and Pitt at home won't be easy.

I just hope we stay healthy....Beathard is special. I'm really hoping I eat crow on my prediction of 6-6. 1-0 is a good start!

I don't know why they didn't play Beathard last year....but that all behind us now. Time to focus on the clowns. Ames will be a snakepit

 

[GrandpaHawk]

Re: Today's Performance Confiirms That the Best Players Weren't Always On Field in 20

I think we all can agree that some people want to find something to complain about all the time. All I can say is it's a shame to go thru life that way. Go Hawks

 

[hawkdrummer1]

Re: Today's Performance Confiirms That the Best Players Weren't Always On Field in 20

Just watched the replay, like a lot of what I saw. Perhaps the funniest comment of the day by Millen was when they were taking about KFz naming CJ the starter in January. (paraphrasing) " Ferentz and Davis knew what they had in Beathard, nobody else did. Iowa fans weren't sure,when they announced he would be the starter."

I about fell out of my chair with laughter.

 

[PCHawk]

Re: Today's Performance Confiirms That the Best Players Weren't Always On Field in 20

Just stop already! Last year is over and done with...nothing we can do about it now. Just enjoy the win for crimes sake!

By the way, it doesn't matter who we would have played at QB last year....the defense sucked bad enough that it wasn't gonna matter.

Great win today and look forward to seeing if we can carry the mo into next week!

Wait what? With a better qb last year we almost certainly beat ISU, Maryland, and Nebraska. We very well may have beaten Wisconsin too. 10-2 would have been a hell of a lot better than 7-5.

 

[ArvadaHawk]

Re: Today's Performance Confiirms That the Best Players Weren't Always On Field in 20

Beathard I will give you, although making a QB change is by far the biggest move that can be made. In the context of last year, Rudock got hurt, Beathard played the 2nd half against Pitt and then Purdue, then Rudock came back for the Indiana game, played lights out. Beathard got dinged up at the end of the Indiana game so it was Rudock for the rest of the season.

For the running backs, Canzeri and Daniels were never healthy. Daniels got hurt against Maryland and was done. Canzeri played at less than 100% due to a camp injury all year. Looked nothing like what he looked like today. Iowa knew having Weisman as the RB was not the answer and tried working Wadley in there. He shined against Northwestern, then the fumble issues hit and they couldn't afford to play him. Wadley is probably the most-talented runner on the roster, but he can't play if he can't hold on to the ball. Looked great today until he fumbled on his 3rd carry.

KF has faults and issues, but being too dumb to not play the best players is not one of them (in my opinion). Changing QB's isn't like putting in a new guy in a video game. It has ripples throughout the team. In the end, Iowa made the right move after the bowl game and named Beathard the starter. Iowa wasn't beating Tennessee even if Beathard starts that game. Should be an interesting season if Beathard can stay healthy.

But LD and Canzeri weren't ever the starters to begin a season, when they were healthy. Yes, last season is over and done with and let's see how this season unfolds. But let's also keep in mind that we played a FCS team, yesterday. And regarding 2014, if you forget the past, you can repeat it. We struggled, again, at WR. Where was Jay Scheel over McCarrin? Where was J. Smith? If we don't find at least 1 more WR that can get separation, T. Smith will be neutralized all season. While yesterday was a good day, we still have large issues at WR and no new blood played to see what they can bring. Personnel decisions, folks. I think that was the OP's point.

 

[ArvadaHawk]

Re: Today's Performance Confiirms That the Best Players Weren't Always On Field in 20

Wait what? With a better qb last year we almost certainly beat ISU, Maryland, and Nebraska. We very well may have beaten Wisconsin too. 10-2 would have been a hell of a lot better than 7-5.

PC, many folks just don't understand that these seasons are connected. Not wanting to rehash this topic, but to illustrate a point: If Willies got the PT last season he should have, then he's still on the team. Then we have 2 kids that can gain separation (T. Smith the other one.) So, where was Jay Scheel yesterday? What is truly going through Scheels mind, now, when McCarrin plays and he didn't?

 

[ArvadaHawk]

Re: Today's Performance Confiirms That the Best Players Weren't Always On Field in 20

Just watched the replay, like a lot of what I saw. Perhaps the funniest comment of the day by Millen was when they were taking about KFz naming CJ the starter in January. (paraphrasing) " Ferentz and Davis knew what they had in Beathard, nobody else did. Iowa fans weren't sure,when they announced he would be the starter."

I about fell out of my chair with laughter.

Yeah, that was a head scratcher. The fans were starting to call for CJ after the BSU game.

 

[knighthawk13]

Re: Today's Performance Confiirms That the Best Players Weren't Always On Field in 20

PC, many folks just don't understand that these seasons are connected. Not wanting to rehash this topic, but to illustrate a point: If Willies got the PT last season he should have, then he's still on the team. Then we have 2 kids that can gain separation (T. Smith the other one.) So, where was Jay Scheel yesterday? What is truly going through Scheels mind, now, when McCarrin plays and he didn't?

Scheel is hurt.

 

[PCHawk]

Re: Today's Performance Confiirms That the Best Players Weren't Always On Field in 20

PC, many folks just don't understand that these seasons are connected. Not wanting to rehash this topic, but to illustrate a point: If Willies got the PT last season he should have, then he's still on the team. Then we have 2 kids that can gain separation (T. Smith the other one.) So, where was Jay Scheel yesterday? What is truly going through Scheels mind, now, when McCarrin plays and he didn't?

I heard Scheel and Mitchell had minor injuries and were unlikely to play. I'm just surprised how much I read on here that it doesn't matter who our QB is. QB is by far the most important position on a team. Of course it matters. And unless Kirk did some self evaluation and decided to re prioritize how he evaluates players, then personnel issues will always be a hot topic.

 

[tksirius]

Re: Today's Performance Confiirms That the Best Players Weren't Always On Field in 20

Wait what? With a better qb last year we almost certainly beat ISU, Maryland, and Nebraska. We very well may have beaten Wisconsin too. 10-2 would have been a hell of a lot better than 7-5.

Not to mention a recruiting aspect that plays into this. I'd think that 10 wins would get some better prospects versus 7 wins. Just sayin.

 

[doughudd]

Re: Today's Performance Confiirms That the Best Players Weren't Always On Field in 20

Scheel is hurt.

LOL. Classic. I always love when some poster delivers their diatribe on Ferentz and then is shown they don't know what they are talking about.

 

[iowalaw]

Re: Today's Performance Confiirms That the Best Players Weren't Always On Field in 20

Personnel decisions are what make a coach a CEO. He is charged with sorting through the 85 scholarships and putting the best 12 out there. When you play favorites and bench athletes because they show too much swagger (or WRs who don't block when they are 30 yards from the play), and play upperclassmen or guys who get better grades, you are failing your corporation and creating worker apathy, dissatisfaction, and will lead the nation in player transfers.

There IS a correlation between unfair personnel decisions and transfers. There is also a correlation between bad personnel decisions and win loss record. If the issue is swept under the rug, it is bound to repeat itself.

Hell, we had a WR last year in Powell who played sparingly at best, and yet was on an NFL roster longer than Iowa greats DJK and McNutt. That can't happen on a team so desperate for talent.