Deadhead Duck

Great insight into OBD's status for this season and next. Just 2 things jump out for me in reaction to your well-considered study: Given the combination of inexperience and injuries, I think how well our offensive skill positions (RB and WR) perform are the biggest factor in the team's success this season. At all other position groups, the Ducks are looking solid. That number of likely starting player losses is daunting for sure. On the other hand, Lanning and his staff have continued to secure very highly rated signing classes. In my eye, the coaching staff has raised the bar on the team's performance with each successive class coming into their playing time. While there will be a lot of unfamiliar names moving into starting positions next season, I have faith that those dudes can play and that the Ducks will continue to roll.

All good points. I'd elaborate a bit on the "Zero Sacks" goal. Some of that is on Gabriel; he needs to be quicker to release the ball in some instances. Perhaps more importantly to me, the offensive line needs to make considerable improvement over last week's progress with their run blocking. Jordan James did a great job of breaking to the outside when there wasn't any space between the blockers to run, but that's not going to be enough against the better teams the Ducks will be facing. I sure didn't expect to be pining for the gaping holes in the defensive line that our stellar offensive line made so reliably the last several years. I'm still optimistic that the Ducks will find their groove and take over the game, like we all presumed would happen in our first two games. The time remaining for the Ducks to find their mojo is running short. I have faith that Lanning will get the team to show up and be the dominant group we know they're capable of being. Go Ducks!