Cade McNamara feeling confident with direction of Iowa’s offense

IOWA CITY, Ia. — The veteran quarterback is coming off one of his best performances of the season, and appears to be in full command of the Hawkeyes’ offense.

Although Cade McNamara didn’t throw for a lot of yards in the 40-16 victory over Washington, he was efficient and executed in clutch moments for Iowa. It was the second time this season that the Hawkeyes scored 40 points. Which is why McNamara finds it encouraging that everyone is grasping Tim Lester’s offense, and the unit finally has an identity.

Iowa (4-2) is all about pounding the ball with big bruiser Kaleb Johnson, and in return that opens up the play-action pass. That was a recipe for success against the Huskies, and McNamara connected with Johnson, and wideout Dayton Howard for touchdowns on the afternoon. It was the first time since the season opener that McNamara threw for multiple touchdowns and no interceptions. Not to mention the offense didn’t turn the ball over the entire contest.

“Whenever I can add a couple of touchdowns, and no turnovers, I’m just doing everything I can to help the team win,” McNamara said. “When we’re able to establish the run, it really sets up the play-action pass, and that’s basically what happened, we were able to suck up all of the linebackers.”

Iowa put together multiple scoring drives, and Johnson handled most of the ground work. The Hawkeyes converted half of their third downs attempts, and averaged more yards per play than the Huskies. Those are promising numbers to McNamara, and he feels the offense is just starting to crack the surface.

“For us to be able to make plays dramatically, and to be able to convert on third downs like we’re doing, it’s huge for our offense,” he said. “We’re just going to continue to try and get better.”

At the end of the day, the signal-caller completed eight of his 14 passes for 108 yards, and only took one sack. McNamara loves the progress the offense is making, and how the team is playing complimentary football.

Everyone is having fun, the chemistry is building up among teammates, and there’s trust in the locker room. The defense and special teams continue to set the offense up in great field position, and McNamara is grateful that everyone is contributing to the success.

“The amount of times that we had a short field was huge, and think that makes our job easier when we don’t have to travel 30 yards to get into enemy territory,” the 24-year old said. “So for us to already start there, it allows us to be more aggressive, and that’s the momentum and the pace we’re able to play with.”

As the Hawkeyes continue to navigate through the Big Ten meat grinder, opposing defenses are going to load up the box in attempt to stop Johnson. McNamara understands that he needs to take advantage when those opportunities come his way. His solid outing against the Huskies was memorable for many reasons, especially being part of Coach Kirk Ferentz’s 200th career Big Ten win. McNamara is honored to be coached by Ferentz, and is in awe of his legacy and longevity.

Iowa has a road trip to Michigan State up next, and McNamara believes the team has what it takes to win on the road again in a hostile environment. McNamara is striving to improve game by game, and anticipates an intense week of practice leading up to the battle in East Lansing.

Most importantly, McNamara is proud of how all of the pieces are coming together for the offense, with weapons emerging in the aerial attack, and the big boys up front dominating in the trenches. So he’s eager to make others around him better, and feels the best is yet to come following the Hawkeyes’ largest margin of victory in Big Ten play this season.

“That’s what we’re trying to do every single week, whether we win or we lose, we’re trying to get better, and that’s the most thing I’m proud of this week.”