Vandenberg, the offense, and Donahue..

[Jonesy86]

So what happened to Donahue? Did he not declare for the draft? Why did he not get drafted?

Looking ahead to next year, I was watching the Insight Bowl and Coker is good, but I don't think he's THAT good--at least not yet--to run for over 200 yards against a good defense. That tells me the offensive line could be much better next year, not only in pass protection, but also opening running lanes.

Then I watched the Iowa State game, and after ISU's third punt, O'Keefe called a deep pass play right off the bat. They were going for the kill on that one. Had DJK not slowed up slightly it would've been a TD. A play like that made me think this team is capable of running a quick strike offense, but they choose not to and rely more heavily on the run game to control time of possession.

Do you think they might try a higher percentage deep passes with Vandenberg, since he seems to have better pure skills?

 

[CAARHawk]

They have a number of pass plays that have a deep option as well as shorter options. The QB throws based on reading the defense. However, Iowa's offense is a pro-style, play action model and that isn't going to change. So the running game will always be important.

 

[MidnightBlueSix]

I think they'll look downfield more if we develop a second home-run threat aside from McNutt. JVB allegedly has a cannon for an arm, but if McNutt is the only one spreading the field, I doubt we take many more deep shots. I've heard that KMM and Shumpert have the ability, but they struggled during the scrimmage. I've also heard CJF has what it takes to be a 100 catch guy. If we can get some DBs one-on-one on a deep route, I predict we'll take some more deep shots.

 

[theboat]

On Donahue, I think that has a lot to do with the lockout. Teams have not been able to fill holes through free agency, so using a 6th or 7th round pick on a punter doesn't seem as good as a backup at an every down position.

 

[hawkfarmer]

On Donahue, I think that has a lot to do with the lockout. Teams have not been able to fill holes through free agency, so using a 6th or 7th round pick on a punter doesn't seem as good as a backup at an every down position.

He's a punter, that's all, easy to pick up as a FA, why waste the draft pick

 

[KnightHawk9]

What a crappy year to be one of those fringe guys. Normally, Donahue, Hunter, Tarp, DJK (and some other guys I'm probably forgetting) would have gotten a call on Saturday inviting them to camp as a FA. Now they will have to sit around until the lockout is over before they even hear anything. I feel bad for those guys.

 

[hawkeye12345]

I think they'll look downfield more if we develop a second home-run threat aside from McNutt. JVB allegedly has a cannon for an arm, but if McNutt is the only one spreading the field, I doubt we take many more deep shots. I've heard that KMM and Shumpert have the ability, but they struggled during the scrimmage. I've also heard CJF has what it takes to be a 100 catch guy. If we can get some DBs one-on-one on a deep route, I predict we'll take some more deep shots.

Are you sure that BJD doesn't throw the pill like a DRT? What about SVB running OT to the short-side and busting one off blocks from GGT and a chop from OIU? Damn that would be AWESOME to C.

 

[HawkeyeMike23]

What a crappy year to be one of those fringe guys. Normally, Donahue, Hunter, Tarp, DJK (and some other guys I'm probably forgetting) would have gotten a call on Saturday inviting them to camp as a FA. Now they will have to sit around until the lockout is over before they even hear anything. I feel bad for those guys.

This won't affect Donahue near as much as the other guys. He doesn't have to worry about not being able to study a playbook or not knowing a team's terminology. Teams pick up punters mid week and throw them out there on Sunday all the time. He's widely regarded as the top punter coming out this year so he just needs to stay in shape and he'll get a call as soon as the lockout is over.

 

[GravyJones]

Are you sure that BJD doesn't throw the pill like a DRT? What about SVB running OT to the short-side and busting one off blocks from GGT and a chop from OIU? Damn that would be AWESOME to C.

It wasn't funny the last time you did it either.

 

[MidnightBlueSix]

Are you sure that BJD doesn't throw the pill like a DRT? What about SVB running OT to the short-side and busting one off blocks from GGT and a chop from OIU? Damn that would be AWESOME to C.

You're really cool. If only the rest of us were as funny and cool as you are. So cool.

 

[PhoenixHawk]

I'm looking forward to CJF getting matched up with an LB over the middle after the safeties double up on McNutt on the outside.