Mudslide

Ugh...okay...

"There is an Eeyore type of fan that uses the forum as a place to vent. But this isn’t a therapist’s couch; go vent your anger about the Ducks somewhere else please! I have learned about the different forms of negative writing as some don’t go dark in their rantings and aren’t actually venting from anger but from an “I-told-you-so” continuous reminder. This firehose of negativity is equally off-putting to me." I think there is a mighty thin dividing line between critiquing the team and criticizing it. The dangerous bridge over those waters may be the constant and frequent irritation some fans feel for the pistol offense being used by the team. One could read here a lot of negativity and sneering at MC in particular for his choice in the matter. BUT...to me that means the fans are really into the team and pulling for better. Still, care needs to be taken with describing frustration over the offensive approach. I have suffered 4 heart attacks and survived Stage IV cancer. Perhaps you won't understand the depth of the following, but...each game I get to see...each season I get to enjoy, is rare, limited in number, and appreciated beyond belief, no matter the outcome. Sure, I want to Ducks to win in all sports, and am elated when that happens. But win or lose, I find it to be wonderful to have the experience of and appreciation for watching those young guys fight through years of effort, pain, and trial to bring the joy of sports to us all.

Being twice old, I might not remember this correctly...but it seems to me that Avalos had the Ducks playing a much more aggressive defense in 2019. Blitzing and bump and run coverage was much more prevalent. This bend but not break reliance, and I'm NOT a fan, that was on display in 2020 was deflating to me as a fan. I'm guessing that the shortened camp and season had a lot to do with it. The techniques and schemes take time to learn and perform well.

I was appreciating the variety of pass plays out of the set.

I REALLY enjoyed how Alabama utilized the pistol in the championship game...and actually more than I expected.

Folks are commenting on the overall depth chart of qb's...e.g. Ashford being 4th or 5th, etc. Can someone direct me to find the official list of Duck qb's in the charts? I have seen projected depth charts surmised by media writers before the season even started. But nothing ever official except for the top 2 during the season. Many thanks.

I don't deny that Thompson can be a great qb. But expecting a young freshman to be The Savior is not usually in the cards. And I've talked him up before. I'm quite impressed by Robby Ashford. He has it all...big arm, accuracy, reads defenses well, is big (6'4", 219), fast, illusive, can throw on the run, great back shoulder throws, etc. In my opinion, he was the superior qb in the Poly Bowl, which included the 'anointed one', DJ Uiagalelei. Check out Ashfords' 2018 highlights ... I think he has been under the radar because everyone expects him to go pro in (yawn) baseball.

Lopui is not to be desired in my opinion. He was fired by UW for allegedly paying illegal monies to football player(s). When he went to USC, he then came under NCAA investigation...denying all charges against him. There may be a reason he was such a good recruiter.

Was Alex Balducci from Central Catholic in Portland (I think) the one you're thinking of? 'Dozer quality NG.

Hahaa...yeah, it took me 4 tries and 35 minutes to figure it out. I am indeed a grey beard...er, grey mustachio.

I had hoped that Sean Dollars fulfilled the need for speed in the backfield. But I still have an image in my head of him being caught from behind last year after a 50 run.

Certainly, as Annie said, altitude is surely a contributor to the Duck foibles in CO. What bugs me is the almost singular use of the weave in the half court offense. When, apparently, the screeners become tired, they no longer dive to the basket, nor will the bigs do a decent job of posting up at the free throw line in that offense...depending on the defense used. The result looks like a hot mess with players completely disconnected, wings running around the perimeter until the shot clock runs down and a panicked shot/drive is launched. How do you spell discombobulated? The success achieved last year with this offense I believe was solely due to the fantastic ability of Payton Pritchard. Many teams use the weave...but I know of none that rely on it so exclusively...hoping for drives to the basket if/when a defender gets lost in the 'chaos'. It, in my mind is a really passive offense...waiting for a defensive mistake. At least that's my quite uneducated view of Altman's strategy. I may be mistaken in my views and, if so, would love some experienced clarity on the offense.

Thanks for the link, Haywarduck. I, too, love those speedy fellas. I recall chasing that kind of back or receiver in my youth. I always loved how their numbers looked from the backside. Not. I hope Reames finds some PT.

Great article, David! I hope you actually DO send it to Coach C. He needs to hear more from us. Thank you for putting down in writing what so very many of us perceive and think about his plodding (not plotting?) offense. And while they block like monsters, I hope he finds some shifty burners for the Ducks backfield and teaches separation techniques to the wideouts.

Thanks, Jon. I just finished lunch when I read this and now SUCH indigestion....my stomach is doing the Hoke Poke.

Thanks, Charles. That picture is DEeee...lightful. The only wrong thing is that Gregory doesn't spell his last name correctly.

Did anyone notice any "creative excellence" on offense that the new coach, JM, was supposed to bring? I didn't. And besides the missed opportunities and open receivers by Shough, I thought the only difference in being competitive in the game was the TURNOVERS! Score on just one of those four and it changes the approach to competitiveness and play selection.

The Ducks' pass rush came alive against USC. I believe they will again. Dorlus and Thibs will accept the challenge against that tough Cyclone o-line. Dollars comes of age and cashes in on a C-note of yards. Shough surprises all of us with an unexpected turnaround. MC will shoot out Charles' fear of pistol dashes into primed beef. (Little used against USC, I might add.) I'm going for it all ... 38 - 21 Ducks.

The bowl was cancelled due to our ever present COVID-19. But Thompson was honored for his superior performance throughout the year...and also leading his team to its second consecutive state championship. I think our Ducks roped a good one in Thompson.

Okay, I'm a believer. I went to YT and checked out Brown's work in 2017 and 18. He doesn't have a rocket for an arm, but he looked sharp in all other aspects of qb'ing. He worked from under center in various alignments. He even looked pretty good against Clemson...except for a scrambling interception. But he likely now has enough practice time with the JM offense that he's likely pretty comfortable with it. Definitely, I say start Mr. Brown and let him take our Ducks to the Fiesta party.

Do not sleep on Ashford as a main contributor next year. I saw him play and he was awesome...touch, powerful arm, fast, good decision making, and he's quite an athletic runner. IMO he was THE electric QB in the Polynesian Bowl, which included Tagovailoa. He had 19 D1 offers in spite of the fear he'd turn to baseball. If he doesn't turn pro in that sport, I think our Ducks have a real gem that is going to shine.