The title above is not meant to be provocative, but something sincere for us to consider once I have laid out my argument. I could not help but think about this upcoming shift in defensive strategy while I was examining the Oregon Ducks Odds and after I took a look at the NCAAB site as well. The Oregon defense has been a progression, frankly moving forward faster than I would have thought, thus why I believe we will see a new pivot of defensive strategy for 2024.
As you recall, when head coach Dan Lanning came to Oregon, the defensive talent on hand was….insufficient. He quickly learned that when the Ducks rushed five and could not get to the Eastern Washington quarterback, and even when blitzes could barely make a dent–he knew that the pass rushing talent was simply not there. Not to mention the risk of leaving the secondary wide open with fewer defenders, hence a very conservative defensive strategy was used in 2022.
Prior to the 2023 season, Oregon fans noted a number of portal transfers on defense coming in that would ultimately make an impact. Thus between mature returning players, and some portal juice added in the secondary, Oregon surprised everyone finishing in the top-ten in the nation for scoring defense giving up just under a 17 points per game. Between this massive improvement and a No. 2 in the nation scoring offense, the Ducks finished No. 6 in the nation for team rankings.
The 2024 team is loaded on both offense and defense, but I believe that the weapons on offense could sway our defensive strategy. I see Oregon again scoring 40 points a game–even against B1G defenses. The key component to me is when; assuming Oregon wants to come strong out of the gate, and get points up immediately–it would resemble what we witnessed over a decade ago. Recall how Chip Kelly would get a lead quickly, move the opponent out of their game plan and into a passing game to catch up?
Nick Aliotti had a big hand in Oregon victories. (Photo by Cliff Grassmick)
So many times we anticipated a close game due to the quality of opponent, but once those Kelly teams got a 21-3 lead–the opponent had to forego the running game. They knew that burning clock would not prevail because Chip could score so quickly, and even with a time of possession disadvantage…Oregon would win big. A 52-27 score was typical back then as teams could not keep up with the No-Huddle Ducks, and turnovers brought about by blitzing and a fierce pass rush snowballed the game away for our adversaries.
I see that occurring again with the elite talent on offense, where a quick lead turns a B1G team into a catchup mode, and since most are not especially skilled at the passing game–interceptions, sacks and punts allow Oregon to get the ball back and pile on even more points. Nick Aliotti loved having his defensive line pin their ears back and go for the quarterback, meanwhile mixing coverages in the secondary to create confusion. The combination of the fast-scoring offense, and a defense primed to stop a passing attack worked well for Chip Kelly and Nick Aliotti, and after over a decade passing…we could see it again.
Only this time we will see it implemented better.
Why? Because Oregon has a more complete defense that is incredibly athletic and deep, hence they focus on “stopping the run” early in the game and have the horses to do it while the Oregon offense is scoring points. Once the other team begins to play catch-up? Lanning can then unleash the number of Georgia blitzes that we will become acquainted with. The speed of the inside linebackers shouts to superb blitzing, as does the massive number of defensive backfield stars who portal transferred into Eugene. This is a marriage of offensive firepower, coaching chops on defense, and defensive talent like never seen before at Oregon!
It spells a perfect storm for contestants battling Oregon that would not occur if you are viewing the Duck defense or offense separately. Together with an emphasis on getting a quick and sizable lead, and coupled with talent on defense for attacking with the pass rush–the Aliotti strategy could be played out to its peak. A huge element in this success is what I anticipate as one of the best defensive backfields in Oregon history, thanks to the Lanning staff pulling so many out of the portal. There is elite talent in the secondary, and it is deep.
I’d bet that Tosh Lupoi and Dan Lanning have some new twists this season. (Screenshot from ESPN Video)
But the table is set from what Oregon will unveil on the defensive line, as I do believe that opposing offensive tackles will not be able to block edge rushers Teitum Tuioti or Matayo Uiagalelei one-on-one and will need help from the running back. But that leaves Jamaree Caldwell, Derrick Harmon and Jordan Burch left in one-on-one situations of which Oregon will win most of the time. Throw in a blitzing linebacker, a safety blitz like what we saw last year, or even the occasional corner blitzes from the short side of the field–and you have a near impossible pass-protection challenge for B1G opponents.
A B1G Network Analyst, Gerry DiNardo (who was a head coach in both the SEC and B1G) noted how this defensive line, “checked all the boxes” and could actually get away with rushing only the front four with pressure. I agree with that, but I like Lanning’s Simulated Pressures even more on passing downs, as Oregon sends four rushers, but the offensive foe does not know where they are coming from. The speed and confusion can create the Havoc plays that Coach Lanning lusts for, and the Ducks have talent to pull it off in the most complete manner in all the years I’ve been watching Our Beloved Ducks.
You know me with my preseason predictions…I’ve been quite right before, I’ve been incredibly wrong, but I’m never in doubt!
There are so many ways to play this defense with the depth of talent, and this is one method to combine offensive results to set up the defense for great success as well. It will be fun to watch for because…
“Oh, how we love to ponder about Our Beloved Ducks!”
Charles Fischer (Mr. FishDuck)
Eugene, Oregon
Top Screenshot from Pac-12 Network Video
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Charles Fischer has been an intense fan of the Ducks, a season ticket holder at Autzen Stadium for 38 years and has written reports on football boards for over 26 years. Known as “FishDuck” on those boards, he is acknowledged for providing intense detail in his scrimmage reports, and in his Xs and Os play analyses. He is single, has a daughter Christine, and resides in Eugene Oregon where he was a Financial Advisor for 36 years.
He now focuses full-time on Charitable Planned Giving Workshops for churches and non-profit organizations in addition to managing his two Oregon Football Websites, of FishDuck.com and the Our Beloved Ducks forum. He is a busy man!
He does not profess to be a coach or analyst, but simply a “hack” that enjoys sharing what he has learned and invites others to correct or add to this body of Oregon Football! See More…