Last week we looked at some of the worst blocking I’ve ever seen as an Oregon fan and analyst over the years. This week Our Beloved Ducks continued to have some nightmares in the first half with four sacks by the Broncos, but things turned around. In fact a couple of areas that I noted as weaknesses last week looked much improved against Boise State in the second half, and in particular–at crunch time when it mattered. (The videos below are only 20-25 seconds each is all)
The experimentation or shuffling of offensive linemen became a topic of discussion this past week, but one observation I did not see from others is how the Ducks actually had our two outstanding tackles side-by-side on one play. Josh Conerly Jr. No. 76 was at tackle, and Ajani Cornelius was at tight end as an unbalanced formation. The play actually went well, as Jordan James cut back the other direction since this formation attracted many Bronco defenders to fill gaps.
A player who the coaching staff was reluctant to play in the first game was Nishad Strother, No. 50 at right guard. I assumed he was brought in as a transfer from East Carolina to replace the senior Steven Jones, but when they recruited Indiana transfer Matthew Bedford–I was puzzled. Perhaps Strother was not the answer they wanted at right guard? However with the injury to Bedford and junior Dave luli, it required substitutions that did not work as well as hoped versus Idaho.
It would appear that with all the combinations attempted on the offensive line, the lineup that produced the best was with Poncho, (Iapani Laloulu) No. 72 at center, the usual tackles of Conerly and Cornelius, but with Strother at left guard, and Marcus Harper flipped over to right guard. In post-game interviews, Strother shared his preference for left guard, and from what I noted of his performance…I would agree.
A perfect running lane is created by Strother and Conerly. (Screenshot from Peacock Sports Video)
The screenshot above and below help us to watch for these blocking milliseconds in the video further below which highlighted the superb blocking of No. 50 Nishad Strother. (Red arrow above) A problem we had against Idaho was poor seal blocking, and you’ll note above how Strother got his hips and shoulders turned to wall-off the defensive tackle. Poncho, No. 72 is doing superbly as well sealing off the backside pursuit.
Note how Conerly (Orange dotted line above) is helping Terrance Ferguson No. 3 in an initial double-team on the defensive end, and then the tackle peels off once Ferguson has the Bronco under control, and attacks the linebacker closing fast.
A fantastic lane for James to run past… (Screenshot from Peacock Sports Video)
Considering the issues the Ducks had with seal blocks, the image above was quite a relief for me. Do watch for all of this in the slow-motion video below…
We actually see two problems from last week solved in the video above; we see an excellent combo-block of Conerly and Ferguson, with an excellent kick-out block by Conerly on the linebacker, and then the wonderful seal block by Strother. Without both–James does not have anywhere to run!
It seems minor, but the timing of this block by Cornelius makes an extra five yards. (Screenshot from Peacock Sports Video)
The combo blocks were a mess against the Vandals, as described in last week’s analysis. But this week we see things sharpened up, especially with the timing as to when to release off the double-team, and nail the linebacker. The tactics of the defensive line come into the equation, because when they slant one direction…they can blow up a play, or slant away from it. Above we see Cornelius No. 65 finishing a double-team with Harper, (Yellow dotted line above) and is about to attack the charging linebacker.
Ajani Cornelius, No. 65, has released from his double-team and is taking aim on the linebacker. (Screenshot from Peacock Sports Video)
Cornelius blasted the defensive tackle slanting inside with Harper, and above we see how he has stayed nimble and bounced up from that block to take on No. 21 for the Broncos. Jordan James is depending upon a good block, or he will be stuffed at the line-of-scrimmage.
Above we see the little things that make all the difference in a running game. Getting off that double-team in time to tie-up the linebacker creates a seven yard run play that Oregon fans will take any day. (Especially after last week!) You are seeing it in slow-motion, but in game speed…it is amazing how fast the offensive linemen blast the double-team, and bounce out to the linebacker.
So we have noted progress by both an offensive guard and tackle with the double team, so now let’s take a look at an experienced player who had a tough game the week before…
Patrick Herbert begins a combo block on a crucial play. (Screenshot from Peacock Sports Video)
It is crunch-time my FishDuck Friends, as it is 3rd and 1 and Our Beloved Ducks need to get closer for a winning field goal. Oregon has not done well with third or fourth and short, thus getting this first down could mean the win or loss. (I was sucking air as the play began) Note Patrick Herbert, (Red arrow above) No. 88 as he begins a double-team with Cornelius. Note also how Boise State had nine defenders within the box or close to it. These are hard plays to block…especially at crunch-time.
What a man-block! It created a running lane for a big first down! (Screenshot from Peacock Sports Video)
Herbert completed a perfect double-team, with a bounce out to the defensive end that had to be moved outside, or the running lane is dissolved. There is not a weight advantage, as Patrick is probably 40-50 pounds below the stout man he was taking on to block. Yet regardless, if it is not blocked well–we do not get the first down.
Please note in the replay above how not only did Patrick Herbert make the block, but knocked the defender off his feet! Boy that gets this ol’ offensive lineman hopping at the TV, and shouting at inner grit of the senior tight end. One blocker made the difference for a big first down, and thus an easy chip-shot field goal for the win…whew!
I cannot promise an analysis article every Friday, but these two first weeks shouted for my attention, since the major issues of this team focused upon the offensive linemen. We do not have it all completely solved yet, but this was major progress in the little things–the sealing, and the timing of coming off and finishing a combo-block. Do come over to discuss at the only free, and civilized forum-with-decorum for Oregon fans because…
“Oh, how we love to ponder about Our Beloved Ducks!”
Charles Fischer (Mr. FishDuck)
Eugene, Oregon
Top Photo from Craig Strobeck
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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…