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Quack Fix: Defense wins the day, Matthews ready to lead, QB battle continues

With one more summer weekend in the books, we only have one more football-less weekend to endure. With all the news from over the weekend, make sure to hit the jump for your full dose of quack:

  • The defense won another competition day on Saturday, beating the offense 138-136. The day also incorporated a "hoot and holler" drill that matched up the offensive and defensive linemen in a situation that resembled sumo-wrestling more than football. In the upset of the day, 230-pounds Dion Jordan beat 315-pound Everett Benyard. The defensive line overall was very solid, and gave the defense an edge throughout the day. For a unit that was thought to be a weakness this season, it could very well be an improvement. But let's not forget to give the offense some love, as it sounds like Chip is going to be getting creative to get the ball to James and Barner. Also, after two weeks of camp, Rob Moseley has his unofficial depth chart.
  • The Oregon defense has been very solid throughout the spring (as is expected) and Ken Goe has a profile on middle linebacker Casey Matthews, who has a lot expected of his this year, and will need to step up his play if the Ducks want to make the leap from very good defense, to dominant defense. Matthews has put in the offseason work to do just that. After playing in the Rose Bowl at 240 pounds, he's now at 230, and working to become the vocal leader of the defense. Matthews is responsible that the front 7 is aligned correctly, and he's embracing his role. I'm excited to see what he can do this year.
  • The QB battle continues (though will be ending very shortly as fall camp ends Thursday afternoon) and coach Helfrich keeps on getting his guys to improve. Rob Moseley has a piece on Helfrich's work over the offseason (including some notes on his personal life). It sounds like Helfrich has done as good a job as possible in dealing with his QBs, and has been open and honest with both players, letting them know their successes and failures. Oregon's players are also dealing with the QB battle, and like many of the fans, are cheering for both players, though some may be cheering a bit harder for one.

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