Which Has More Upside Left: Offense or Defense?

[Charles Fischer]

I am loving how the defense is coming alive...all those TFLs and sacks?  Whew!

 

 

[kirklandduck]

Defense might be peaking at the right time. Offense at this point depends on DG, he was off today. Hopefully he cleans up those red zone mistakes as OBD should have had 2 more TDs.

[30Duck]

Right now I'd say there's more room for the offense to improve. This was a dominant performance by the defense, the offense was dominant too, but 2 red zone INT's? I guess DG showed some stud quality in not letting the INT's bother him, heck he got back up and did it again after the first one. 

 

James still doesn't have breakaway speed, but that first half was impressive. MSU's strength was supposed to be their D line. I hope that's true because Oregon's O line made them look bad. Against the run and the pass. Oregon's receivers are a special bunch, when Gabriel can match them, the offense will be unstoppable. 

[Solar]

I'd say the offense has not had everyone play their best at the same time.

 

At the very beginning of the season the OL and running backs couldn't do anything and DG and the receivers had to get it done.

 

Tonight felt like the opposite. Perhaps some of it's just different defensive strategies and and Stein is just taking what the defense gives him.

 

But I think there is room for both to really shine at the same time to capitalize when they are dominant.

[cartm25]

Offense for sure.

 

Only averaging 32 points per game against inferior competition.

That’s Mari Cristbal production . . . Yikes!

[Nevada Dawg]

Next week should answer a lot of questions about both sides of the ball. I really do want to see how the Oregon receivers (and Gabriel) do with what promises to be a top-flite OSU defense. I like James, wish we in Athens had tried harder to keep him committed, and hope he keeps up the tough running. But he will definitely face his biggest challenge on the season thus far running against the Bucks front line and senior laden defense.

 

I am really looking forward, as we all are, to this upcoming game. Go Ducks, crack the Bucknuts!!!

[EastBayDuckDad]

On 10/4/2024 at 10:04 PM, cartm25 said:

Offense for sure.

 

Only averaging 32 points per game against inferior competition.

That’s Mari Cristbal production . . . Yikes!

Agree with this up to a point. Stein's scheme is far superior to what Cristobal dialed up, the problem tonite was execution by DG and a couple of untimely drops by TFerg and Tez. That was at least 14 points left unclaimed.

 

The good news is that the O-line is now doing its job and James is Bucky-like in his balance and YA contact. Stewart got re-involved with the offense and had a TD. Gabriel focused back in after his bad reads and picks. Tough as nails bouncing back after getting clobbered on that circus catch by Holden. 

 

Two red zone picks against tOSU won't cut it, but all the other aspects of the offense that were MIA the first two games are now present and accounted for. 

[Mike West]

Offense has more upside.  This game will help them determine what they'll need to work on for the playoffs.  

 

OBD have enough ability to go undefeated, but a loss during the season, and especially here, will give them information on what to work on for the playoffs.

 

This team should go 11-1 at worst.  It's all mental now.  Execution will be absolutely necessary.  So the penalties must end at this point. Tough to be perfect, but it is going to be absolutely necessary to be as close to perfect next Saturday and in the playoffs as possible 

 

That should be the new standard: less than three broken assignments, and/or three unforced errors.  I see focus issues, but I see plenty of poise being demonstrated.  Plenty of upside on the intangibles for OBD.  That's how championships are won.

[VegasDuck]

Offense but opponents should be very concerned if the the D has more upside.

[David Marsh]

Defense has come together. The backend feels like it has the most growth still as there were a couple longer throws that set up a score and a scoring attempt from MSU. 

 

The offense left 6-14 points on the field with Gabriel's two interceptions. 

 

It also felt like the rushing offense got a lot less creative in the second half. The first half saw linemen pulling and smashing MSU defenders. The 3rd and 4th quarters less so.... I haven't reviewed the film but just my observations at the time. 

[GeotechDuck]

Oregon’s defense was pretty nasty again last night.  The starting unit has not given up an offensive touchdown in 9 consecutive quarters. That’s outstanding!

 

IMO the offense looked pretty good last night too.  Well balanced and moved the ball well.  They had 300+ yards at half.  If DG can stop throwing balls to well covered receivers running outs at the goal line, I like this team’s chances next week. 

[The Kamikaze Kid]

Without the costly turnovers, OBD routs Boise St and obliterates MSU. So far, this season has been like watching  the guy in Fight Club fighting himself (sorry for the spoiler!). So far almost halfway through the season, the only thing that has slowed down the offense has been their own turnovers and penalties. Each week they seem to be getting things more figured out and the separation between them and their opponents keeps widening. I like that trend.