As Iowa enters its final bye week of the season, one thing has constantly remained for the Iowa offense: the passing attack has not been consistent.
During the first few games of the season with new quarterback Mark Gronowski under center, the offense struggled, especially in the passing game.
As players have started to get healthy, and Gronowski has gotten more comfortable with the offense, the entire unit has improved.
Iowa offensive coordinator Tim Lester stated that he felt the passing attack "was climbing" during the Indiana game, but was derailed when Gronowski left the game with an injury.
As Gronowski works his way back to full strength after his knee injury, the passing game has remained inconsistent.
Even though the passing attack has remained relatively dormant throughout the first eight games, Lester is not worried about Gronowski or the passing attack.
During the coordinators' press conference this week, Lester acknowledged the passing attack is not where they would like it to be, but he also noted their strategy changes based on their opponents.
While everyone expects the Hawkeyes to air it out every game, they have a stout offensive line that excels in run blocking, and the running backs are beginning to turn two-yard runs into eight-yard runs as the offensive line opens up more holes.
Running back Kamari Moulton continues to lead the backfield, but Lester noted he has never had a quarterback who runs like a fullback.
He's had quarterbacks who are fast runners or players who excelled on the outside, like former Iowa starter Brendan Sullivan. Still, he is sure they will never find another runner like Gronowski.
Lester is adamant that anytime you can run the ball effectively, it will open up the passing game, and the Hawkeyes excel at running the football.
Gronowski has shown flashes of his ability to sling the ball downfield, and once he adapts to his knee brace and gets closer to being fully healthy, the Hawkeye passing attack will be just fine.
All Lester really wants is for the offense to continue showing improvement every week.