Quack Fix: As Oregon's fall camp ends, all eyes on Darron Thomas and Nate Costa
by jtlight on Aug 27, 2010 7:42 AM PDT
in Morning Quack Fix
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PrintFall camp is complete, and we have only 8 more days until football! Of course, with camp ending and Chip Kelly making a decision on the QB situation by tomorrow morning, that's all anyone could talk about.
- Rob Moseley's story is on the QBs. The coaching staff immediately started reviewing the tape of yesterday's scrimmage, which was the only scrimmage during fall camp. The decision on the QB's won't be made until sometime today. From all account Thomas and Costa had good showings yesterday (here are the complete stats from GoDucks.com). It seems like Thomas did a bit more on less opportunities, but that also means that Costa got more snaps. Also affecting performance, however, is that many of Oregon's stars did not play. LaMichael James, Kenjon Barner, Brandon Bair, Casey Matthews, and many others did not play. On the plus side, no significant injuries happened during fall camp.
- One of the few writers that had access to the scrimmage was Andy McNamara of that athletic department, and here is his report. All QBs led three touchdown drives, which is a good sign, though Costa was the lone QB to turn the ball over.
- Ken Goe has a story on the scrimmage as well. He has some quotes from coaches and players, and notes that Cliff Harris had an interception during the scrimmage, helping make his case for the other CB spot. And watch out Matt Daddy, it looks like Dale from the Duck Stops Here may give you a run for your money in CH13 love.
- Have you not had enough expansion talk yet? If you hadn't heard, former UCLA chancellor Chuck Young came out against expansion. Well, TwistNHook over at CalGoldenBlogs was so annoyed that he wrote an opus on just how wrong Young is.
After the jump, we have some video interviews of Chip Kelly, Darron Thomas, and Nate Costa, so make sure to check them out, and leave any other news in the comments. GO DUCKS!
Chip Kelly
Darron Thomas
It won't embed, so you'll just have to click here.
Nate Costa
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The Duck Stops Here
The thing I like about Harris is, he makes plays. He plays the ball and acts like it’s his when it’s in the air (and he has a knack for knowing when it’s in the air), that it belongs to him and it belonged to him all along.
AMEN! As opposed to Talmjadge Jackson, who throws both hands straight up in the air and refuses to turn his head around. I can only assume the coaches are encouraging this or it would change, but it still irritates me. There were a bunch of INT’s he could have had last year if he’d turn around and locate the ball. Please, I’m begging you, don’t make me see this again…
And in the Yell-O corner, with a 2009 conference record of 8 wins, 1 loss...the REIGNING...DEFENDING...UNDISPUTED Champions of the PAC TEN...the Oregon Ducks!
by MarineCorpsDuck on Aug 27, 2010 7:56 AM PDT reply actions
I understand that these plays end up sticking out in peoples minds (much like the “we always give up huge 3rd and long pays” argument), but Jackson was one of the better corners in the Pac-10 last year. He had 4 interceptions, and 10 passes defended.
He doesn’t refuse to turn around, that’s what he’s being coached to do. Jackson is not a stellar CB, and it’s doubtful that he’ll be drafted. But he is solid as hell, and does exactly what the coaching staff wants him to.
There were a bunch of INT’s he could have had last year if he’d turn around and locate the ball.
I think that for better CBs, this may be true, but if you’re one-on-one with a receiver and have no help and you’re beat, you have to play the man, hope you knock the pass down, and if not, make sure you make the tackle. Turning around and locating a ball is incredibly difficult, and if you mess that up, you’re giving up 6 easy points.
--AddictedToQuack, SBNation's Oregon Ducks blog
He doesn’t refuse to turn around, that’s what he’s being coached to do.
I agree with that. I know this discussion has been had on ATQ before. If he wasn’t being coached to do it, I doubt he’d still be starting. I think maybe it’s just something that frustrates me but isn’t that big of a deal. And you are right, it is one of those things that sticks out in my mind because when it happens it’s so obvious. I don’t have any “data” to back up the frequency. I think it’s more the “severity” than the frequency to me, and since this only happens on deeper passes it becomes that much more frustrating to me when a long pass is completed.
That being said, the thing that sticks out in my mind against Stanford and Ohio State is how many times both QBs were able to throw a ball up for grabs and their receiver came down with it. It would be interesting to watch those games again and see how many times this situation happened and our DB didn’t turn around. I wonder if Harbaugh and Tressel had this in their game-plan and told the QB “if you get in trouble, look for single coverage and just loft it up to a deeper WR because there’s a good chance we’ll come down, and if we don’t it’s unlikely it’ll be intercepted because their CB’s don’t turn around”.
And in the Yell-O corner, with a 2009 conference record of 8 wins, 1 loss...the REIGNING...DEFENDING...UNDISPUTED Champions of the PAC TEN...the Oregon Ducks!
by MarineCorpsDuck on Aug 27, 2010 8:31 AM PDT up reply actions
His 4 picks...
Arizona – Didn’t turn around on a deep ball. Caught it off a deflection.
UCLA – Jumped a short route
Cougs – Wasn’t 1-on-1. Was behind the receiver, almost playing Safety, and the QB overthrew the WR to TJIII.
ASU – Playing off the WR, QB overthrew WR.
I wonder if we’ll see more teams trying to loft throws deep against 1:1 coverage this year?
And in the Yell-O corner, with a 2009 conference record of 8 wins, 1 loss...the REIGNING...DEFENDING...UNDISPUTED Champions of the PAC TEN...the Oregon Ducks!
by MarineCorpsDuck on Aug 27, 2010 8:37 AM PDT up reply actions
That’s generally the third best time to do that. The receiver has a pretty favorable match-up, deep on 1-1 if the ball is thrown well.
The only time it is better is when the receiver isn’t covered at all, or if the receiver beats both the corner and safety handedly.
it’s spelled "S-H-U-F-E-L-T-A-L-L-W-A-R-M-A-N-D-F-U-Z-Z-Y"
Yeah, I agree. I just wonder if it becomes an actual strategy because it’s pretty clear that our DB’s are being coached to do that. It’ll be interesting to see if we can see a pattern of opposing offenses doing that more and more.
And in the Yell-O corner, with a 2009 conference record of 8 wins, 1 loss...the REIGNING...DEFENDING...UNDISPUTED Champions of the PAC TEN...the Oregon Ducks!
by MarineCorpsDuck on Aug 27, 2010 8:55 AM PDT up reply actions
I don’t really want to rehash the debate, but when a DB is playing catch up, they honestly cannot afford to spin around to pick the ball, unless it is under thrown. It is often better to watch the player’s eyes and hands, and get your hands in between. If you spin to look for the ball, there is a good chance the ball will sail over your head and into the hands of the, now wide open WR.
it’s spelled "S-H-U-F-E-L-T-A-L-L-W-A-R-M-A-N-D-F-U-Z-Z-Y"
So the best time to throw the ball to a receiver is when he's open?
BRILLIANT!
"I have a very strong distaste for Oregon State and Washington. Also Stanford.
It was suppose to be a “Well, duh!” statement.
it’s spelled "S-H-U-F-E-L-T-A-L-L-W-A-R-M-A-N-D-F-U-Z-Z-Y"
I was trying to be these guys
"I have a very strong distaste for Oregon State and Washington. Also Stanford.
GUINNESS! That actually sounds good right now. It’s been a while.
Haters gonna hate.
it’s spelled "S-H-U-F-E-L-T-A-L-L-W-A-R-M-A-N-D-F-U-Z-Z-Y"
I wanna p** on you
Yes I do!
"KENNY WHEATON'S GONNA SCORE!! KENNY WHEATON!!--Jerry Allen, 1994"
by M. Fletcher on Aug 27, 2010 10:22 AM PDT up reply actions
I wonder if we’ll see more teams trying to loft throws deep against 1:1 coverage this year?
I sure as hell hope so. I hope that teams will rely on making sure that the QB gets enough time from our 3-4 zone blitz scheme in the pocket to sit back and read which CB is playing 1:1 then tries to loft a pass deep enough so that John Boyett isn’t able to get over to help in hopes that the CB isn’t looking back and he can’t make a play on it.
What I’m saying MCD is not only is TJ3 coached that way, but another thing to think about is our defensive scheme is geared to getting after the QB and not requiring the CB to have to guard a guy for 10 minutes while the QB scrambles. The two teams that really exploited that were Stanford where Luck dropped dimes into the basket of the WR and looking back or not most likely would have been meaningless and tOSU where the QB had the size and strength to extend the play and make the CB have to guard guys for longer than our defense wanted.
Hey Daisy, git me anudder one!
Addicted to Quack
What I’m saying MCD is not only is TJ3 coached that way, but another thing to think about is our defensive scheme is geared to getting after the QB and not requiring the CB to have to guard a guy for 10 minutes while the QB scrambles. The two teams that really exploited that were Stanford where Luck dropped dimes into the basket of the WR and looking back or not most likely would have been meaningless and tOSU where the QB had the size and strength to extend the play and make the CB have to guard guys for longer than our defense wanted.
So we just hope that Luck doesn’t destroy us again?
And in the Yell-O corner, with a 2009 conference record of 8 wins, 1 loss...the REIGNING...DEFENDING...UNDISPUTED Champions of the PAC TEN...the Oregon Ducks!
by MarineCorpsDuck on Aug 27, 2010 10:14 AM PDT up reply actions
To some extent yes. If Luck is going to sit back there and throw 40 yard bombs that only his WR can get there is very little Oregon can do about it. Part of the problem with Luck though was the fact that Aliotti was playing a lot of Cover 1 to provide extra run support against Gerhart. Plus, TJ Ward was just coming off injury and looked a step slow in that game. We won’t have that problem this year.
But if Harbaugh had Luck throwing deep posts and fly patterns to WR’s and was on the money every time, looking back or not looking back there is going to be a huge problem.
Hey Daisy, git me anudder one!
Addicted to Quack
It didn’t help that Boyett had his worst game of the season that game. I’m doubtful that will again be the case.
--AddictedToQuack, SBNation's Oregon Ducks blog
Not to mention that I still believe Aliotti choked that game by over reacting to Luck’s few good passes and didn’t realize the big threat was #7 in the backfield.
Want to have that discussion again?
Hey Daisy, git me anudder one!
Addicted to Quack
Let’s change course and instead bitch about the fact that the ONE THING that we knew couldn’t happen was let Stanford get a lead, and our offense decided it would be awesome to play catchup, and not score much in the first half.
--AddictedToQuack, SBNation's Oregon Ducks blog
Yeah, consistency wasn’t really our “thing” last year. Except for the winning part. We were pretty consistent at that.
And in the Yell-O corner, with a 2009 conference record of 8 wins, 1 loss...the REIGNING...DEFENDING...UNDISPUTED Champions of the PAC TEN...the Oregon Ducks!
by MarineCorpsDuck on Aug 27, 2010 11:23 AM PDT up reply actions
Luck...
doesn’t have Gerhart anymore. Luck threw like 20 times a game. That scheme we faced last year had a 235-250 steamroller to deal with. Off of that, they built an efficent verticle passing game. That steamroller allowed them to pick and choose when to throw and give them max protect (they barely had gave up sacks). If we can get them into more obvious passing situations, I don’t think Luck will be the lethal assassin he was that day against us. If they can run the ball efficiently, than let’s hope their still mediocre defense gives up more points in a shootout.
Yeah, he averaged 24 attempts per game last year. What really jumps out from those stats to me is that he threw 30 more times in 4 games, and they lost all 4 of them. I get what you are saying, but I also think that we are giving a little too much credit to Gearhart and not enough credit to their O-Line and scheme with the jumbo packages they run. That line is returning 4 of the 5 starters from last year.
Our defense is built more on speed than it is on size, so I think we’re going to continue to have some trouble with power-rushing teams. Of course there’s going to be a dropoff with Gearhart gone, but I don’t think it’s going to be that bad. I don’t think it’ll be bad enough that Luck has to dramatically increase his attempts per game. But I could be wrong…
And in the Yell-O corner, with a 2009 conference record of 8 wins, 1 loss...the REIGNING...DEFENDING...UNDISPUTED Champions of the PAC TEN...the Oregon Ducks!
by MarineCorpsDuck on Aug 27, 2010 11:46 AM PDT up reply actions
I, like a few other, predictd a loss at Stanford
last year. This year I am predicting a win. It’s at home and they’ll be dealing with a jacked up autzen stadium, the runner won’t be as good as Toby, and we have more beef up front. Plus, I think we played that scheme horribly last year even with our inherit deficiencies. We got better toward the end of the game with what seemed to be some adjustments but too late.
It's interesting to note...
That Darryle Hawkins was the leading receiver in the scrimmage. Is it possible this kid gets into the receiver mix before the end of the season? If so, I predict at least one bubble screen that turns into a double pass against a marquee opponent. (USC?)
"KENNY WHEATON'S GONNA SCORE!! KENNY WHEATON!!--Jerry Allen, 1994"
I still believe Chris Harper had the makings of being our #1 receiver if he had stayed. He had some great plays as a WR, capped off by the YAC against ASU. I still don’t know what Harper was thinking… to me he had a chance of making it to the next level as a WR if he worked at it and had some big games, like in the Rose Bowl. Instead he basically seals his fate by going back to Kansas State. I wish him well, but I just think it was a bad choice. Maybe Bryce Brown’s agent helped him with that choice.
Maybe Hawkins can do the same kind of thing converting to WR. I believe he was recruited as “Athlete”. We’ll see if he is more interested in being a QB buried on the depth chart or getting playing time for a bad team, or starting at some other position and potentially being a huge part of a winner.
And in the Yell-O corner, with a 2009 conference record of 8 wins, 1 loss...the REIGNING...DEFENDING...UNDISPUTED Champions of the PAC TEN...the Oregon Ducks!
by MarineCorpsDuck on Aug 27, 2010 8:16 AM PDT up reply actions
Some kids just get homesick, you know. It happens.
Average Score Since 2004: Oregon 42 Washington 17
Yeah, that’s why I said I wish him well. I’m not trying to bash Harper because I get that aspect of it. It’s just hard for me to see a kid have that kind of talent and have an honest shot at making it to the next level, but not do it. If the reason was because of homesickness I can see that, but if it was because he was dead set on playing QB, not so much. We can never truly know the reason, and I suspect it’s some of both. I doubt he would have transferred if he had continued to be a QB, but you never know. He could have been the next Anquan Boldin if you ask me. Bolding started at FSU as a QB and look at him now! Harper had that size/speed combo that had the potential for that kind of move.
But…if “if” were a fifth, we’d all be f**ked up.
And in the Yell-O corner, with a 2009 conference record of 8 wins, 1 loss...the REIGNING...DEFENDING...UNDISPUTED Champions of the PAC TEN...the Oregon Ducks!
by MarineCorpsDuck on Aug 27, 2010 8:40 AM PDT up reply actions
I don’t really doubt Hawkins will get time as receiver. It’s more of “when”, and if he can make the travel squad.
it’s spelled "S-H-U-F-E-L-T-A-L-L-W-A-R-M-A-N-D-F-U-Z-Z-Y"
I get the feeling he’s one of our Taser guys. Maybe???
He’d been running the ball in practice, then shows up with a bunch of receptions in the scrimmage. I suppose Helfrich is just trying to see where he can best utilize the kids athletic ability, which appears to be substantial.
I don't deal in hyperbole.
I like the idea of him at TZR
The very concept of that position makes me giddy, as it forces the defense to match up to what the offense is doing. CK is great at getting defenses to adjust and then hitting them where that adjustment just made them weaker.
"KENNY WHEATON'S GONNA SCORE!! KENNY WHEATON!!--Jerry Allen, 1994"
by M. Fletcher on Aug 27, 2010 10:25 AM PDT up reply actions
Definitely,
He could be a very interesting player. It would be really fun if Hawkins ran a sweep, got pitched the ball, and had a run/pass option to work with. Next play, “QB” hits him over the middle on a slant route…Sounds fun!
Self-anointed President of the Kenjon Barner fan club.
I was thinking that too,
only I envisioned a fly sweep with pass/run option…or maybe that’s what you meant.
"KENNY WHEATON'S GONNA SCORE!! KENNY WHEATON!!--Jerry Allen, 1994"
by M. Fletcher on Aug 27, 2010 10:31 AM PDT up reply actions
At the latest, we’ll know by whoever takes the first snap Saturday morning. There’s no formal announcement scheduled.
--AddictedToQuack, SBNation's Oregon Ducks blog
Any idea who Kelly will choose?
I have no idea who Kelly will choose.
"It ain't over till it's over." - Yogi Berra
We should know by Saturday morning,
When the coaching staff makes preparations for New Mexico.
Self-anointed President of the Kenjon Barner fan club.
I notice your grandma didn’t accumulate any stats in the scrimmage yesterday. Is she back in Chip’s doghouse again?
clutch performance by UGA to all but seal the Fulmer Cup
This is why the SEC is so great. They just care more.
--Dave
Addicted to Quack, your friendly, neighborhood Oregon Ducks blog
UO/OSU still holds the "State" title, though, right?
Impressive come-from-behind win by Georgia…clutch moment by a guy trying to win the RB spot.
"KENNY WHEATON'S GONNA SCORE!! KENNY WHEATON!!--Jerry Allen, 1994"
by M. Fletcher on Aug 27, 2010 10:11 AM PDT up reply actions
If Costa doesn't get the starting job..
.. how much would you not want to be CK telling him that, although he’s hung in there for 6 seasons, he’s being kept on the bench?
This is one reason I could never be a head coach. I’d be all crying and huggy and stuff. Probably change my mind right in the middle of telling him.
Average Score Since 2004: Oregon 42 Washington 17
trust me, it sucks
doesn’t matter the level. After basketball tryouts, when we have to cut kids, I feel like the most horrible person alive afterwards. Its absolutely brutal.
--Dave
Addicted to Quack, your friendly, neighborhood Oregon Ducks blog
by David Piper on Aug 27, 2010 10:21 AM PDT up reply actions
Agreed.
Nothing worse than having to tell a kid he can’t play any more this year. Hands down, the worst part of being a coach at any level.
"KENNY WHEATON'S GONNA SCORE!! KENNY WHEATON!!--Jerry Allen, 1994"
by M. Fletcher on Aug 27, 2010 10:35 AM PDT up reply actions
Thanks for that
considering i’ll have to cut kids off my 4th grade team :P
"Our expectations are to win every game we play. I don’t know if that’s ever going to happen .... but no one ever rises to low expectations." --Chip Kelly
My suggestion is to set up a very objective ratings system.
For football, I rate them by size, speed, agility, skill, and effort. Effort is weighted highest, followed by skill and athletic ability. (40%, 30%, 30%, respectively)
"KENNY WHEATON'S GONNA SCORE!! KENNY WHEATON!!--Jerry Allen, 1994"
by M. Fletcher on Aug 27, 2010 10:52 AM PDT up reply actions
its a football team fwiw
flag football
"Our expectations are to win every game we play. I don’t know if that’s ever going to happen .... but no one ever rises to low expectations." --Chip Kelly
I feel like a douche doing that in NCAA 11.
it’s spelled "S-H-U-F-E-L-T-A-L-L-W-A-R-M-A-N-D-F-U-Z-Z-Y"
In my opinion if there is one person in the world I’d want to have to tell that to, it’s Costa. Yeah, the kids been through a lot, but he’s never gotten down, worked his ass off, been a team player, and whenever possible, been ready to jump in there and take the reigns. This time would be no different. I’d expect Costa to look at Kelly, say, thanks coach, what do you need me to do now?
Hey Daisy, git me anudder one!
Addicted to Quack
Well, if it isn’t Little Miss Sunshine.
(You, not Costa, just to make it clear)
Average Score Since 2004: Oregon 42 Washington 17
I guess I should have added, “I agree benzduck, I wouldn’t want to have to make that decision, but…”
Just to make it clear.
Hey Daisy, git me anudder one!
Addicted to Quack
That would definitely be a tough call. Thankfully I’ve never been in a position to have to fire anyone or anything like that. This would be a tough conversation to have.
Defending maligned chants since 2009
Once at my previous job
I was known as ‘The Terminator’. No, I’m not proud of it (okay, maybe just a little).
ATQ's #1 Bill Musgrave, benzduck and Matt Daddy fan
I only wish. Instead I said it with a great deal of faux empathy when I was really thinking “Why are you such a dirtbag to necessitate me spending my Friday afternoon ruining your weekend and then doing a lot of paperwork?”
ATQ's #1 Bill Musgrave, benzduck and Matt Daddy fan
Anybody watch the ESPNU preview last night?
Bellotti was one of the talking heads. When it came to the Ducks, he said that Costa is the coaches’ and players’ sentimental favorite, while Thomas has played a little bit better in practice.
Outside of that the show was pretty awful. Whatever ex-player goon was on there thought Wilcox was still the DC at FBSU
Notice that pretty much every highlight for OSEwe was the civil war?
Someone needs to remind them who won that game.
"I have a very strong distaste for Oregon State and Washington. Also Stanford.
by mackjones23 on Aug 27, 2010 10:47 AM PDT up reply actions
They did play well in that game
We were just better.
But yeah, that is strange…
"Good evening Blazer fans, wherever you may be!"-Bill Schonely
That “ex-player goon” was David Pollack.
AtQ's Resident Baseball Purist.
by TennesseeQuackAttack8 on Aug 27, 2010 2:09 PM PDT up reply actions
Some little features on a few new Ducks from Texas on Oregon Gridiron.
it’s spelled "S-H-U-F-E-L-T-A-L-L-W-A-R-M-A-N-D-F-U-Z-Z-Y"
This may have been linked before...
but I just enjoyed watching Kenjon Barner introduce the Oregon locker room.
"KENNY WHEATON'S GONNA SCORE!! KENNY WHEATON!!--Jerry Allen, 1994"
What a memory
Looking at their trip pics brought back memories of my own trip to UO. First one-way trip alone in a fully packed car, leaving home for the “great adventure”. Went to “run track at Oregon”… so went to the track and started running… would have been a good thing to talk to a coach first, but it worked out ok. Probably the most walk-on of any walk-on ever.
I didn’t get the “new” dorm rooms until my sophomore year… doesn’t look like they’ have changed in 40 years.
It is now Saturday Morning In this part of the world.
Chip, you promised to let me know who the QB was by Saturday Morning. Can you hit me up with a text or something?
Sincerely
AT
by AcadianTraverse on Aug 27, 2010 2:46 PM PDT reply actions
I REALLY can't decide on a new profile image...
so I will use whatever image the next person to reply posts/links to, I guarantee (as long as it’s not inappropriate or FBSU or fuskies or bavers or other foes). Thanks.
You're Welcome
Hey Daisy, git me anudder one!
Addicted to Quack
by Matt Daddy on Aug 27, 2010 5:55 PM PDT up reply actions 4 recs
That thar was funny, MD, very well played.
Chairman, Tako Owes MCD a Half Rack of Keg Stickers Committee
by Bill Musgrave on Aug 27, 2010 8:28 PM PDT up reply actions
do you have that link bookmarked?
Go Ducks.....Ducks Go!!!!!
by trumpetduck on Aug 27, 2010 10:34 PM PDT up reply actions
That’s probably his desktop wallpaper. And a poster above his bed.
by JonathanPDX on Aug 27, 2010 10:38 PM PDT up reply actions
Thats probably all throughout his house,
After all, that is the MattDaddy family portrait.
Self-anointed President of the Kenjon Barner fan club.
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