Pellum Looking to Hit Warp Speed on Defense

Noah Smith FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

The Oregon Ducks defense last season was very inconsistent, both dominating opponents and being dominated by opponents. The most obvious example is the juxtaposition between Oregon’s destruction of Jameis Winston and FSU and their own destruction at the hands of Ohio State. While the defense didn’t always play up to their potential, they did pretty well most of the year, …

One Odd Duck, Chip Kelly — the New Bill Walsh?

Noah Smith FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Everybody has an opinion on Chip Kelly. Some people see him as the mad genius who will lead the Philadelphia Eagles to greatness by using unconventional means that no one else has thought of to give his team an advantage. Others see him as just plain mad. While this has been the story of many great innovators — both inside …

1916 — When the Husky Hatred ‘Really’ Began

Noah Smith History

As Oregon Ducks, we are obligated to hate the University of Washington — North Tacoma. I’m pretty sure all Oregon fans can agree to that statement wholeheartedly. While we may hate Alabama and the SEC, or Florida State, or even those dastardly Beavers, it is nothing like the righteous fury we feel toward Washington. But for many of us, this vitriol …

Kyle Long and Hroniss Grasu — A Switch-o Change-o From Eugene to Chicago

Noah Smith FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Every player’s jump from the college game to the NFL game is filled with a certain amount of angst. This uncertainty comes from being in a new city, with new players, new coaches, and a new way of doing everything. For former Oregon center Hroniss Grasu, this transition will be lessened to a degree because of having his former teammate Kyle …

Ifo Ekpre-Olomu is One Lucky Duck

Noah Smith FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

I’d imagine that a lot of Oregon Duck fans probably stopped paying attention to the NFL Draft after Marcus Mariota went No. 2 to the Tennessee Titans. Maybe a few of us toughed it out through the 17th pick when Arik Armstead went to the San Francisco 49ers. Being an NFL junkie, I continued to follow all the picks, particularly to …

Titans on the Rise?

Noah Smith FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

With the Tennessee Titans drafting everyone’s favorite Hawaiian quarterback, many Ducks’ fans were disappointed that Chip Kelly didn’t succeed in trading up for Marcus Mariota.  Some are simply annoyed they didn’t get their favorite player and coach on the same NFL team, while others are worried for Mariota’s future by his going to a bad team like the Titans.  The thing is, …

Just Duckin’ Around — Dion Jordan and Chip Kelly Reunion in the Works?

Noah Smith FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

We have all found out this offseason just how much of an “Oregon East” the Philadelphia Eagles have become under Chip Kelly, with the blockbuster trade for Kiko Alonso being the shining example of this. As Kelly continues to rebuild this team in his own image, the weeks that follow the draft could be just as interesting as the ones that …

On Wings of Eagles — Chip Kelly’s Plan for Tim Tebow

Noah Smith FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Many people assumed that one of the NFL‘s most polarizing players, Tim Tebow, was done as an NFL player.  Despite these assumptions, one coach, Chip Kelly, decided to sign him.  Kelly’s signing a polarizing player who many people doubt can even be a backup in the NFL shouldn’t surprise anybody, as Kelly has shown time and again that he doesn’t …

Colt Lyerla — Will He Get a Second Chance?

Noah Smith FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

  Just about everyone is familiar with the “Big Three” when referring to GM, Ford and Chrysler; LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh; or the folk band, The Big 3. Likewise, Oregon now has its own “Big Three,” which consists of former players who didn’t do the right things when they were Ducks. The trio consists of troubled players …

Scheming up a Storm

Noah Smith FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Oregon had something they haven’t had at any time in recent memory this past season; a potent passing game. Since Mark Helfrich has taken over the reigns from Chip Kelly, the Ducks’ passing attack has gotten stronger every season, culminating in the performance we saw last season. This unprecedented aerial proficiency led to the most balanced attack Oregon has had …

Identity Crisis: Byron Marshall With Something to Prove?

Noah Smith FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

The Oregon Duck‘s star WR and RB, Byron Marshall, is looking to make a name for himself during his senior year. After leading the Ducks in rushing yards as a sophomore and then in receiving as a junior, it is clear to see that Marshall, much like Liam Neeson’s character in Taken, has a very special set of skills. These …

Of Chip Kelly’s System and the “Franchise QB” Conundrum

Noah Smith FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

It is well documented that a franchise QB is required in order to win the Super Bowl — at least, that is the common concept. However, this idea has two problems: First — and obvious issue — is that franchise QBs are extremely hard to find; there are many more franchises in the NFL than there are franchise QBs. The second …