Exploiting the Huskies Defense
Expecting another cakewalk Saturday? I'm not.
The Huskies should show up with a lot of emotion. They're back home by the lake - where they've played pretty well - after a stinging loss at Tempe. The Dawgs still have plenty to play for. It's an opportunity to get even at 4-4 heading into a bye week. It's an opportunity to keep a season afloat. It's yet another opportunity to make a statement about the resurrection of a program that had fallen to unbelievable lows.
Jared's post yesterday detailed what the Ducks need to do on defense. It's entirely possible that Oregon's defense will hold the Huskies well below their season averages. On the other hand, I think it's more likely that Oregon's offense will have to put up some points to lock up this road win. And I don't expect those points to come as easily as they did last year. Here's why:
Let's not kid ourselves, many of the UW defensive stats are not good. The Huskies are 9th among Pac-10 teams for scoring, at 27.9 per game. They're 9th in rushing defense at 162 a game, 8th in pass defense at 262 per game, 8th in opponents 3rd down conversion percentage. Now stop laughing for a minute and consider this... Washington is giving up 11 fewer points per game than they did last year. They're giving up 80 fewer rushing yards and 50 fewer passing yards.
Three Huskies linebackers - Donald Butler, Mason Foster and E.J. Savannah - are in the top 15 for tackles. That's about where the good news ends for Washington.
Much has been said about Washington's red zone prowess.
Washington does lead the conference with opponents converting only 35% of their trips into the red zone into touchdowns. Holding opponents to field goals more times than not has kept the Huskies close in their most of their games. There is something to be said for that. Problem is, no Pac-10 team allows more red zone visits (34 in seven games = nearly 5 visits per game) than the Huskies. Only WSU is even close to UW in that respect.
One Husky fan here on ATQ this week suggested the Dawgs might stack the box against Oregon and stuff the run in the red zone. Let 'em. In the red zone this season, the Huskies have given up TD runs of 4, 6, 7, 1, 9, 1, 12, 1 and 1. They've also given up six offensive TDs from outside 30 yards. It's not like Oregon is going to get shut out against Washington if they don't cross the 20.
From a talent and scheme perspective, this year's match-up of Oregon's O versus Washington's D is not so different from last season when Oregon won 44-10. Oregon comes in with questions at QB. Washington's defense is suspect. Oregon's offense has speed, everywhere. Washington has a few talented individuals on D, but overall that unit is not speedy or physical. All the coaching in the world doesn't change the fact that when your defense is a step slow, plays out of position, doesn't shed blocks and blows coverages, you give up a lot of big plays. Remember - six TDs of more than 30 yards this year, including pass plays covering 67, 50, 45, 39 and 32 yards.
Oregon leads the conference with 203 rushing yards per game and is last in passing yards. So the Huskies will load up against LaMichael James and Kenjon Barner, right? Not necessarily. Oregon will dictate otherwise by putting at least three receivers on the field, plus Ed Dickson at tight end. That could force UW to play a lot of nickle. The Huskies did that at times last year in Eugene and the Ducks not only ran at will, they also ran screen plays that resulted in big plays when UW defenders failed to make one-on-one plays in open space. Earlier this season, against LSU's spread, the Huskies we're fairly stout when they could sit in a 4-3 formation. When LSU dictated the Huskies utilize a 3-4 or nickle coverage, the boys from down south were fairly dominant. Expect the Ducks to follow LSU's lead.
I don't condone the exploitation of dawgs, but...
With more speed and talent, Oregon doesn't have to do a lot more than run its offense and avoid turnovers. Patience is key. Crisp execution is key. Zone-read option against a 6-man front. Effective. Play-action with misdirection and quick bubble screens. Effective. Why? Because no matter what alignment they're in, a defense cannot cheat against Oregon's offensive scheme. Opposing defenders have to defend the entire field against the Ducks. Because Oregon is a run-first team, all seven or eight DBs and LBs have to watch the action in the backfield. They cannot simply follow the offensive flow or overplay the weak side or strong side of Oregon's formation. Do so, or try to cheat as the QB is making his option read, and the ball will be going the other way. That's why so often we see an opponent's defense flat-footed, out of position and out-manned at the point of attack. Chip Kelly's offense allows the entire width of the field as a possible point of attack. When the Kelly spread is rockin', it is exploitation of a defense's weak points at its finest.
Recall the Terrence Scott screen pass TD last year. Let the d-line bust up field, a quick pass to Scott on the outside. Another WR cuts down the CB who is covering Scott, now there's a speedster on the edge with the ball and two blockers (a TE and a pulling lineman) against two remaining defenders. Three on two...it's just not fair! The lineman makes his block, Scott cuts back against the other defender, who ran himself out of position, and it's a sprint to the end zone.
The Huskies are improved. However, it takes a special defense to disrupt Oregon's offense. Or, it takes the Ducks shooting themselves in the foot over and over. We haven't seen the latter since the second half of the Purdue game. Whatever defensive game plan UW tries to throw at Kelly, Helfrich and Greatwood, Oregon's offensive gurus will have a response becoming of two weeks of preparation. Count on it.
Emotions will be high on the Huskies sideline, and it's worth recognizing that the Dawgs have gained the most valuable skill of all this season: they believe they can win. That alone gives them a legit shot to win any game in Seattle. Expect a tight contest for at least a half, then expect Oregon's talent, speed, offensive scheme and adjustments to win out over emotion in the end.
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The comment about that Scott TD just reminded me of J-Will being really, really fast trying to make blocks on that play.
It's spelled "T-A-K-O-T-U-E-S-D-A-Y-S-!-!-!."
I support inroywetrust in his support of The VD Special in his support of me supporting Roger Kieschnick in his quest to becoming the best Kieschnick ever to play professional baseball.
Now we have Ed Dickson making blocks. I love trips….
--AddictedToQuack, SBNation's Oregon Ducks blog
Didn't Cal stack the box against Oregon quite a bit?
Leaving the middle open for Dickson?
I love beating OSU....but nothing is better than DESTROYING the fuskies.
They stacked the box which left the flats wide open and we ran a lot of screens.
--AddictedToQuack, SBNation's Oregon Ducks blog
Do you think
Washington will be as vulnerable to the bubble screen as they were against Arizona? it seemed like the Wildcats ran that play a million times in that game with it working nearly every time.
I love beating OSU....but nothing is better than DESTROYING the fuskies.
I would say it will be more effective. Let’s just not “kick” it to them for a TD, and we’ll be great.
--AddictedToQuack, SBNation's Oregon Ducks blog
They aren't that fast
So if we can get our misdirection working early on, it’ll be a fun day for our boys.
"Good evening Blazer fans, wherever you may be!"-Bill Schonely
I’d like to see the counter play that Barner took for a TD against Purdue.
--AddictedToQuack, SBNation's Oregon Ducks blog
That was gorgeous...On a third and a million, Touchdown!!!!
A much needed bye week; and two whole weeks to focus the inner hatred of UW even moreso than normal.
Locker...Welcome to my profile, You will be formally introduced by Juju at a later date, 10/23 to be more specific!
I'm pretty sure Barner's was on third and very long.
Addicted To Quack [dot] com; Six-hundred and ninety-four yards of total offense.
Barner's TD against Purdue was on a third and around 18
A great run!
A much needed bye week; and two whole weeks to focus the inner hatred of UW even moreso than normal.
Locker...Welcome to my profile, You will be formally introduced by Juju at a later date, 10/23 to be more specific!
i was commenting more on the fact that we seem to be one of the only football teams that can successfully run on 3rd and 15+
I Hate Dawgs
Shoot Them in the Head
Set Them on Fire
Cause I Hate Washington
by trumpetduck on Oct 23, 2009 11:15 AM PDT up reply actions
the same play that they ran in 07 against SC
JStew got like 17 yards on 3rd and 15
Under winter skies
We stand glorious
And with Oden on our side
We are victorious
by WhiteRabbit on Oct 22, 2009 10:21 PM PDT up reply actions
And a shitload of yards after contact.
Addicted To Quack [dot] com; Six-hundred and ninety-four yards of total offense.
I want to see Alston get into the mix.
I love beating OSU....but nothing is better than DESTROYING the fuskies.
The Gentlemen
I Hate Dawgs
Shoot Them in the Head
Set Them on Fire
Cause I Hate Washington
by trumpetduck on Oct 23, 2009 11:16 AM PDT up reply actions
Nice analysis
I want the Ducks to stay within themselves, but boy would it be nice to see the midrange passing game open up this week. I’m not asking for 35+ yard bombs. I’d just love to see Masoli/Costa hit some 20 yard strikes down the sidelines to our quick WR’s.
I feel the need, the need...for speed!
WR's? Pshh, Who needs them when we have Ed Dickson?
A much needed bye week; and two whole weeks to focus the inner hatred of UW even moreso than normal.
Locker...Welcome to my profile, You will be formally introduced by Juju at a later date, 10/23 to be more specific!
I forgot what a WR is.
Can someone explain?
by Bill Musgrave on Oct 22, 2009 4:49 PM PDT up reply actions
they are the people you throw screens to
Under winter skies
We stand glorious
And with Oden on our side
We are victorious
by WhiteRabbit on Oct 22, 2009 10:23 PM PDT up reply actions
Masoli, barring a practice injury.
Addicted To Quack [dot] com; Six-hundred and ninety-four yards of total offense.
I personally heard Brady Leaf
That was from an inside source close to the team
by SeattleDucks on Oct 22, 2009 4:15 PM PDT up reply actions
Nope, Danny O’Neil is starting and he’s already thinking about USC
by Matt Daddy on Oct 22, 2009 4:21 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
All you people are so freaking mis-informed.
Dan Fouts is of course going to start! What are you people dumb or something?
A much needed bye week; and two whole weeks to focus the inner hatred of UW even moreso than normal.
Locker...Welcome to my profile, You will be formally introduced by Juju at a later date, 10/23 to be more specific!
Van Brocklin?
too far?
Under winter skies
We stand glorious
And with Oden on our side
We are victorious
by WhiteRabbit on Oct 22, 2009 10:23 PM PDT up reply actions
We’re playing Saturday? Crap! I was looking forward to the USC game.
It's spelled "S-H-U-F-E-L-T-H-I-M-S-E-L-F"
you know this is a one week season!
I Hate Dawgs
Shoot Them in the Head
Set Them on Fire
Cause I Hate Washington
by trumpetduck on Oct 23, 2009 11:17 AM PDT up reply actions
I 2nd the Alston comment.
I would also like to see Holland get a chance on more than one bubble screen. I’ve spent hours of my life since last spring (let alone last season) reading about this guy and just want to see him slicing through the middle of the field on his way to the house from about 55 yards out. My prediction for this game is that if Jamere Holland scores a touchdown I guarantee we win the game by a lot. Cheers to Alston and Holland. We know what a lot of our other studs are capable of. Go Ducks. Let’s have a breakout game against these Dawgs where four or five different Ducks score TD’s!!!
by NICKPAPAGEORGIOTHEDUCK on Oct 22, 2009 5:54 PM PDT reply actions
You know...
Every time WT3 has scored a TD, we have won :)…Oh wait,
A much needed bye week; and two whole weeks to focus the inner hatred of UW even moreso than normal.
Locker...Welcome to my profile, You will be formally introduced by Juju at a later date, 10/23 to be more specific!
Alston I don't think is fast enough to take a quickscreen to the farm from outside the redzone barring insane blocking.
I like him a lot though as a counterpunch to the LaBarner tandem. He’s got good strength and his acceleration is good, though his top-end speed leaves something to be desired. I prefer him to Crenshaw myself, though some may rather have Crenshaw.
Addicted To Quack [dot] com; Six-hundred and ninety-four yards of total offense.
IMO: Alston>Crenshaw
A much needed bye week; and two whole weeks to focus the inner hatred of UW even moreso than normal.
Locker...Welcome to my profile, You will be formally introduced by Juju at a later date, 10/23 to be more specific!
UW Dawg Pound
I just wanted to make a post that thanks the Duck fans who visited the UW Dawg Pound this week. We have enjoyed bantering with all of you. You are a real classy bunch of Duck fans… !
Good luck on Saturday…sort of…you know what I mean.
Hey John! Thanks for stopping by. Although I don’t contribute much to Dawg Pound (mainly because the logo scares me half to death), I’m a frequent reader. Keep up the great work. We can’t wish you good luck, but we can wish you well! :)
--Dominic, Addicted to Quack
Autzen Stadium is where great teams go to die." - J. Brady McCullough, The Michigan Daily.
The logo’s honestly the thing that keeps me away the most as well.
It's spelled "T-A-K-O-T-U-E-S-D-A-Y-S-!-!-!."
I support inroywetrust in his support of The VD Special in his support of me supporting Roger Kieschnick in his quest to becoming the best Kieschnick ever to play professional baseball.
The eyes…they burn into your soul!
It's spelled "T-A-K-O-T-U-E-S-D-A-Y-S-!-!-!."
I support inroywetrust in his support of The VD Special in his support of me supporting Roger Kieschnick in his quest to becoming the best Kieschnick ever to play professional baseball.
They are pure evil!
Peering into my conscience!!!
A much needed bye week; and two whole weeks to focus the inner hatred of UW even moreso than normal.
Locker...Welcome to my profile, You will be formally introduced by Juju at a later date, 10/23 to be more specific!
Whats amazing is they look like hippy dogs
I don’t know what it is, maybe its the hoodies
"I used to play sports. Then I realized you can buy trophies. Now I'm good at everything." - Demetri Martin
The fact that the back one is lurking
makes it extra creepy
by Bill Musgrave on Oct 23, 2009 5:46 PM PDT up reply actions
Well since we’re having a love-fest moment…
Like Dominic, I’ve opted not to get onto the Husky blog, but only because I don’t really enjoy “getting into it” with folks. John, you had a great statement today – or maybe yesterday – that the game isn’t played here in the blogs. Real words of wisdom. I really enjoyed your recap of the UW v. UO rivalry. You do some nice work.
By the grace of Juju, we all are day-to-day.
Thanks
We will have preview for the game up in the morning.
I think it will be a real close game and the team that wins the turnover battle will win the game. If Oregon plays error free they have too much talent to lose. Tough to play error free in Husky Stadium. It will be a zoo on Saturday.
by John Berkowitz on Oct 22, 2009 8:44 PM PDT up reply actions
The Logo
That was an SBN creation….we will get around to replacing it one of these day….it is frightening in a bad way.
I am so relieved. I’ll be happier visiting now knowing that you didn’t… do that.
::shudder::

It's spelled "S-H-U-F-E-L-T-H-I-M-S-E-L-F"
by JShufelt on Oct 22, 2009 7:33 PM PDT up reply actions 3 recs
Your analysis is a little off-the-mark
… the Huskies have not played in a nickel all year and won’t against UO. When you only see three lineman rushing, than you are seeing a zone D where one of the DE’s, usually Darrion Jones or Talia Crichton are peeling off into coverage.
Your assertion that the LSU dominated us when we ran the 3-4 or the nickel might be accurate, except we have never played either of those D’s this season.
Damn, my eyeball tastes good.
Looking at the video yet again, I see what you’re saying.
Perhaps I’m confusing this alignment as a 3-4, cause there are three guys down and four guys up in the box. Evidently that’s the left DE essentially playing LB? So that’s basically Cal’s base defense but with a larger, slower DE playing on the edge instead of a linebacker? LSU’s QB ran for 18 on this play.

Also, I apparently confused this alignment with a nickle. Is that Savannah spread wide in zone pass coverage? The Huskies got the stop on third-and-goal here and forced a field goal.

Whatever the case, those alignments were used frequently in the game against LSU’s spread. Sometimes effectively. Many times not. I’d love to see nothing more than a three down lineman against the Ducks running game or E.J. Savannah in coverage against our receivers, or better yet, one-on-one with Ed Dickson. I guess we could argue about whether a defensive alignment is the result of the assigned positions of each player on the field or the actual assignment each player carries out after the snap of the ball.
By the grace of Juju, we all are day-to-day.
by JConant on Oct 23, 2009 10:36 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Actually, in that first image that is #40, Mason Foster, a linebacker playing on the left edge. He gives five yards of ground then gets knocked flat on his ass as the QB runs right past him. The DE – who’s effectively playing outside linebacker – is on the right side, #58 Andru Pulu.
By the grace of Juju, we all are day-to-day.
Huskies allowing 11 fewer points?
If the Dawgs are allowing 11 fewer points, that means we only score 33. Still well below their scoring average.
Killer Bee
USC scored 56 on us last year ...
…. but not so much this year. we’ll see.
Damn, my eyeball tastes good.

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