Spring Game Coaching Surprises

Charles Fischer, Mr. FishDuck Fish Reports

Coaching surprises in the Spring Game?  Besides the obvious of Mark Helfrich in charge, and more passes than usual – what is new that was unexpected?  This unforeseen development is one I anticipated observing in the fall during our games, and did not expect to see it so soon.  While it does not come directly from head coach Helfrich, we can …

The Oregon Classic: The Inside Zone Read

Charles Fischer, Mr. FishDuck Fish Reports

It makes sense in our offseason to look again at the play that the entire Oregon offense is centered around, and the video that has been seen by so many coaches and fans worldwide over the last year and a half.  Has it been awhile?  Watch again and remember the fine points that make the Inside Zone Read so important to Oregon, …

From Helfrich: “Why We Closed Practices”

Charles Fischer, Mr. FishDuck FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

I am disappointed with coach Helfrich’s decision to close practices, but it is fair that I give his side of it a bit more than I did in my earlier article.  I wish to emphasize that while I made a joke of how we were shut out whether it was Chip or Helf, the persona of MH is vastly different …

The Secret I Could Not Tell…Until Now

Charles Fischer, Mr. FishDuck FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

“The media in this state HATES Chip Kelly.” I could not believe my ears as I was talking to a former television anchor sportscaster in Oregon.  He was in my office in the fall of 2011, and what he told me was depressing and astounding.  Remember — at that time I was just beginning to produce what now has become …

The Oregon Game Plans: Kelly or Helfrich?

Charles Fischer, Mr. FishDuck Fish Reports

You knew this discussion had to begin: who WAS primarily responsible for the game plan and play calling on the field?  I thought it critical because I developed a checklist of what we needed Chip’s replacement to be skilled at, and the only item on the list unresolved was GAME-PLANNING.  I have detailed the unique attacks that Oregon has unleashed …

Retired? Join the FishDuck.com Team!

Charles Fischer, Mr. FishDuck Announcements

We want you to put your expertise to work for four hours a week as a volunteer helping this site grow!  FishDuck is blessed to have the talents of FIVE retirement age volunteers, and we would love to have YOU contributing your wisdom and donating your skills to serve the devoted Duck fan.  The areas we need help in are varied, …

Is Oregon Adding a Tight End Twist?

Charles Fischer, Mr. FishDuck Fish Reports

We veterans of Oregon football are accustomed to the usual movements within the Inside and Outside Zone Read play and their blocking schemes.  Yet in the Fiesta Bowl we ran something unusual with our tight end…. a twist within our Zone Read plays?  How did it work and what were the results?  Will we see it again?  These are great …

Why Chip Kelly will Win Super Bowls at Philadelphia

Charles Fischer, Mr. FishDuck Announcements

By Charles “FishDuck” Fischer The fans of Philadelphia have no idea what they are about to witness.  The greatest sports experience of their lives is about to unfold over the next four years, and they will be delighted with the winning, but confounded by the methods.  Football is not supposed to be coached this way, most will declare, but the …

Chip Kelly’s “No-Read” Inside Zone Play

Charles Fischer, Mr. FishDuck Fish Reports

The Chip Kelly Oregon spread offense is NOT zone reading on some plays?  This offense is known for the infamous read option of a defensive lineman or linebacker as we fans work to determine who is getting zone read on a particular play.  It seems that sometimes we are not reading or optioning anyone, yet the results on these plays …

Chip Kelly’s Surprise “Throwback” Fiesta Bowl Strategy

Charles Fischer, Mr. FishDuck Fish Reports

Chip surprised both the Wildcats and me in this game!  A major component of what makes Chip Kelly so successful is not just how he coaches the spread offense and runs a rapid “no-huddle” tempo, but also how he brings something new to nearly every game he coaches.  It is the last major area the media have not understood or covered, …

Chip Kelly pulls out the “Power-Read” play to Defeat Wildcats

Charles Fischer, Mr. FishDuck Fish Reports

The NFL has been attracted to coach Kelly because of his commitment to an up-tempo offense that everyone can see as being difficult upon his foes.  Yet a factor in some of his victories has been his propensity to change-up his game plan for the opposing defensive coaching staff.  How can you defend something well if you haven’t prepared for …