Joshbrown
Well-Known Member
The problem on offense has always been Kirk. Always. There were times over the years where we would open up the offense, either because we had the personnel (2002) or were forced to with being down (Pitt game 2011, etc).
We would see up tempo, quick passes, intermediate passing, urgency.....and we moved the ball well. Then we would go right back to what we always do, stretch play short side of field.....run clock down to 3 seconds before burning a TO....
I get that a up tempo offense isn't the answer for every game. But as Rob said, scratch where it itches. We would see some success on the field with up tempo, with the players we had and it would work. Only to go right back to KF ball and the life would be sucked out.
I want to see us use the entire field. To use the clock better, and for @##% sake, have more than ONE play for an audible.
I hope the FR see the field. If we're going to struggle, especially early on, I would rather have these kids out there taking their lumps and growing. Versus 5 Walk Ons from New Hampton
To piggyback on this.
2002 we have a QB who is a senior and only has one year to make his mark. BB gives us magic for an entire season. He also shows what a dual threat QB can accomplish.
2004. Running-backs go down and now Iowa has to put the season on Tate's shoulders. Balance? More like sandlot football. But it works.
2009 The Manzi has to work miracles without Shonn. He goes down, the season goes down. Losing to NW and Ohio State because of the stupid "play not to lose" game plan. Manzi played to win.
2015 CJB has something to prove after getting the shaft in 2014. And prove it he does. Would've beaten MSU had we not waited till the end of the game to throw the ball deep.
Kirk's "balanced" offense is A.K.A. "predictable" offense. When Iowa is forced out of its comfort zone because of necessity, it shines.
Brad Banks --- Kirk isn't a fan of dual threat QBs in his pro-system. But we got him anyway because of necessity.
Tate --- too much personality. But he won so Kirk had to grit his teeth and put up with someone who would rather win the points battle instead of the field position battle.
Manzi --- had something to prove after watching JC get the nod over him when he was clearly better.
CJB --- had something to prove after being told in 2014 that he would be given a fair chance to win the job and learning that was not true.
The more a QB is molded into a Kirkbot, the lower the win total.
Look what happened to Tate; Manzi; Vandy, CJB their senior year. When the QBs are allowed to have their own personality, things go better for the Hawkeyes. Whenever the phrase "right fit" is used, think "replace the players instincts with Kirk's instincts". The problem is Kirk's instincts are insanely conservative.
BB - risk taker
Tate - risk taker
Manzi - risk taker
CJB - risk taker
When James Vandenberg was forced into taking risks against Pitt in 2011, Iowa won. But winning with an urgency offense is not Kirk's style. Low scoring wins are Kirk's comfort zone. Whenever we score a lot of points it's usually because the other team forces Kirk's hand by refusing to play the low scoring strategy or because our defense/special teams puts points on the board.
