Why Iowa's pass defense isn't good

[cabse5]

Iowa defends the pass through osmosis
First, the front four puts pressure on the QB.
Second, linebackers are asked to cover pass receivers.
(Iowa has been able to develop some "super linebackers" because Parker's system overloads them with run and pass responsibliities).
Third, a premium is placed on pass interceptions.
Finally, Iowa pass defenders are not asked to prevent the pass catch just prevent the big play...

This year, the front four has not put consistent pressure on the QB.
Our linebackers are young and/or undeveloped.
We've intercepted a good number of passes - only one of three phases of Iowa's pass defense has been successful.

There hasn't been a "guardian" between "bend but don't break'" pass defenders and the pass.

I don't understand, why do so many fans blame KOK?
How many points are needed to ensure an Iowa win when the team has a weak pass defense?
38 - against Michigan?
30 - against Wisconsin?
21 - against Northwestern?

Wouldn't it be easier and more productive to recruit and use athletes that use schemes that try to prevent the pass catch?

 

[zhawkzrule]

people are blaming KOK for the inconsistent play calling and the number of 3 and outs that put the D in poor situations with little rest.

 

[atxhawk]

people are blaming KOK for the inconsistent play calling and the number of 3 and outs that put the D in poor situations with little rest.

This pretty much covers it. If you dig up my TOP thread you can see that we are 6-0 when we win TOP and 1-3 when we don't. The three and outs kill us.

On the defensive side, several times this year I've seen one of the d-line dropping back into pass coverage instead of rushing the passer. Whether or not that has anything to do with the injuries at linebacker I have no idea.

 

[tm3308]

This pretty much covers it. If you dig up my TOP thread you can see that we are 6-0 when we win TOP and 1-3 when we don't. The three and outs kill us.

On the defensive side, several times this year I've seen one of the d-line dropping back into pass coverage instead of rushing the passer. Whether or not that has anything to do with the injuries at linebacker I have no idea.

You'll notice, however, that the 4 games in which we lost the battle, they all run the spread. Arizona and Michigan were willing to go deep (Arizona had success, and Michigan had mixed results), while IU and NW don't. Either way, those offenses are able to put together long drives because their scheme matches up well against our defense.

The offense needs to step up, no doubt. But the defense has a little slack that it could pick up as well.

 

[atxhawk]

The offense needs to step up, no doubt. But the defense has a little slack that it could pick up as well.

Agreed. 5 yard passes when the d is giving an 8 yard cushion can kill you.

 

[FBletterman]

this is simple because Edds, Angerer and Amari where absolute studs. last year we were 10th nationally in pass defense, that's pretty good.

 

[clevelandhawk]

Simply put, Iowa's offense should have been able to put up more than 17 points against a Northwestern defense that is not exactly a salty unit.

 

[kicker22]

This pretty much covers it. If you dig up my TOP thread you can see that we are 6-0 when we win TOP and 1-3 when we don't. The three and outs kill us.

On the defensive side, several times this year I've seen one of the d-line dropping back into pass coverage instead of rushing the passer. Whether or not that has anything to do with the injuries at linebacker I have no idea.

The only complaint I have about the TOP issue is the fact that although we've had problems with the three and outs from time to time I don't exactly hear anyone complaining about the big plays and the 3 or 4 play scoring drives because that has the same effect. Pinning everything on KOK in my opinion is lame, because honestly the guy can't win. Even last year when the defense was comming up huge game in and game out, it still fell back on him.
I don't necessarily enjoy watching the predictable draws on third and long, but I keep my mouth shut. And will keep my mouth shut until I feel like patting him on the back every time we score, because I'm happy with the numbers they've put up this year. Not necessarily every game, but in general I think he's doing a fine job.

 

[Billso]

Why Iowa's pass defense isn't as good as last year:

* young cornerbacks still learning the position
* 2 true freshmen starting at LB, replacing NFL-quality players

End of story. Pretty simple.

 

[cabse5]

This hating of KOK seems political to me. Instead of fans concerning themselves with what makes Iowa better, they're patting on the back the coach they personally like and turning on the coach they don't like.

Is this supposed to be a personality contest? Don't we want the team to be better? Are we afraid of change?

Billso, I add the extra info to help explain how NW is able to beat Iowa year in and year out. NW has beaten Iowa with stud linebackers Edds, Angerer, Greenway, and Hodge. Because Iowa's defense relies on other units than those closest to the opponent's receivers to stop the pass completion, their pass defense is inherently weak every year.