Paralysis By Analysis: The Running Game’s Impact on the Passing Game

Todd Moore Fish Reports

Have you ever wondered why Oregon’s offense is so successful?  There are a multitude of reasons, but one that we are going to look at today is how the running and passing game form such a wonderful marriage.  It is no secret that we have many weapons on the offensive side of the ball as the offensive staff at Oregon …

Ryon Healy is a Nightmare for Opposing Pitchers

Victor Flores Coach's Opinion

Watch any Major League Baseball game when a fearsome hitter like Miguel Cabrera is batting, and you’re bound to hear announcers talk about how much fear he instills in opposing pitchers.  Watch a Ducks game when Ryon Healy is at bat, and you’ll hear announcers say the same things.  I can’t read pitchers’ minds, but it would honestly be a …

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 …

Oregon’s Mystery Men Linebacking Corps Will “Sink to the level of its preparation” – and that’s a good thing

Sean Goodbody Fish Reports

Here’s what we know about the 2013 version of Oregon’s defensive line (Hart, Keliikipi, Heimuli, Armstead, Buckner):  the group is likely top-ten nationally. Here’s what we know about the 2013 version of Oregon’s defensive backfield (Ifo, Patterson, Mitchell, Hill, Jackson, Dargan):  the group is likely top-five nationally. Here’s what we know about the 2013 version of Oregon’s  middle linebacking group …

Oregon Has A Counter Play After All!

Josh Schlichter Fish Reports

Read, react, adjust: that’s probably the fastest way to summarize the inner mechanisms of Oregon’s increasingly deceptive and effective play calling.  With defenses constantly finding new ways to attack and defend the Duck offense, reading each scheme and then reacting to the defenders is hard enough on every down; but what Oregon fans have learned over the past four years …

Oregon Special Teams Analysis: Swinging What?

Todd Moore Fish Reports

How does Oregon get so many two point conversions?   We have a variety of plays that we have used over the years on extra points, and the Swinging Gate Formation is just one of the reasons Oregon puts the “Special” in special teams.  In every aspect of Oregon football we can see an attack style mentality, including after we score …

Aliotti’s Zone Coverages Keep Wildcats’ Pass Game in the Kitty Carrier

Sean Goodbody Fish Reports

In the Fiesta Bowl, even though the Ducks began closing down the running game in the first half, Kansas State quarterback Collin Klein piled up short completions to his receivers, most notably former Duck Chris Harper.  As the Cats converted first downs via short completions again and again in the first half, I could almost hear the collective groan from Duck fans: …

How Oregon Stuffed “Optimus” Klein and the Kansas State Option Attack

Sean Goodbody Fish Reports

(Note: I’ve previously helped Charles with his defensive tutorial series, and written a few articles, one if which really riled up our friends in the SEC.  I’m very excited to now present some written defensive analysis for FishDuck.com.)  “C. Klein rush for no gain…C. Klein rush for 3 yards…C. Klein rush for 1 yard…C. Klein rush for 4 yards…C. Klein …

Oregon’s In-Game Adjustment Skins Cats

Josh Schlichter Fish Reports

This post was originally featured at PacificTakes.com, and is being shared with FishDuck.com Oregon has seen dozens of variations of defensive schemes to slow down their offense over the years.  Some, like the Cover 0 defense, and Bear front were more effective in longer stretches, and others were, simply put, less effective.  Those less effective schemes have included the scrape exchange and fake injuries.  …

Fiesta Bowl No Huddle Dynamics

Josh Schlichter Fish Reports

One of the most exciting moments from the 2013 Fiesta Bowl had to be the half-ending touchdown drive Oregon put together to effectively finish off the Kansas State Wildcats. After the Wildcats had marched down the field and threatened to take a 17-15 lead, Oregon’s defense held tight and forced KSU to kick a field goal, which they promptly missed, …

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, …