DurangoDuck wrote:

The bright side of this dilemma is that we seem to able to score from just about anywhere on the field. Maybe you could alternatively say the returners are just padding Nix’s stats? 😏

Lol.

But yeah, our special teams has been anything but special. It's kinda concerning.

DucksReign wrote:

Well... lots of teams would love to have Oregon's W-L record and have this problem!

Our worst punt return average in nearly 30-years! It is anemic and ranked 88th in the nation which for a Top 10 team isn't good at all.

However if there is general agreement that, as every coach says, you need to be good in all 3 phases of the game... offense, defense and special teams...it does present an interesting debate point...do you use your best offensive skill players?

Going back in time, when you have a special talent like DAT...it is a no brainer...game changer who could score from anywhere on the field.

Yet I remember Devon Allen in what turned out to be a career ending(at Oregon) injury and thinking at the time, "Did we really need him as a returner?"

Anyway the article does briefly allude to this issue as in the number of hits taken.

https://www.oregonlive.com/ducks/2022/11/oregon-ducks-averaging-fewest-yards-on-punt-returns-since-1993-giving-lead-receiver-troy-franklin-reps-in-practice.html

Couple of thoughts:

1)  This could be why Seven left the program.  Not only was he lower in the rotation on offense, but his ST skills were lacking with no real notable improvement from what I have read.  

2)  Think Devon went down with relatively little to no contact, slipping on the grass instead of being hit.  That specualted because my memory is over 50yo, I woudl say that I have always been surprised over the years where key players on either side of the ball were also on ST duty flying around the field in the chaos of humanity that this part of the game can be.  With only so many players you can suit up to play, especially on the road, it seems to be a practical matter to have these guys at risk on this unit...

As you note, these are minor issues all things considered for (the surprising) Y1 of the Lanning era and most likely will be improved in the offseason by recruiting and experience...

DurangoDuck wrote:

Duckball …. Happy landing on the new blogger. 🥳. I’m still getting used to the change in format. Hoping the CO game will be an opportunity for Duck special teams to shine.

Thanks DD!
Seems like an easy transition. And it's a hell of a lot easier to read than the ATQ site you like. I used to read over there quite often, but it's so hard on the eyes now, and it seems about 2/3rds of the posters have bailed after they transitioned to a new format.

The commenters are pretty weird, but I admit I got quite a few chuckles from that crew at times. It's the only site that doesn't take itself too seriously, and weird humor is kinda right up my alley. But it's way over the top most of the time and too "clique" for me.

This site seems pretty cool.

Thanks for the invite DR and thanks for having me y'all.

DUCKS BABY!!

 

Last edited by oldretiredguy (11/04/2022 6:13 pm)

I think just fair-catching could definitley come from Lanning: just avoid a fumble and take the ball and go, which we are doing pretty well right now. DAT could put a thrill in things, but he could turn it over on occasion...still, pretty fun to watch.

Ouch!

I always cringe when I hear someone say they have to work Saturdays during Football season. 
Hope it pays well!