Everyone knows that Oregon goes fast. Duck football is synonymous with speed and tempo and heaps and heaps of points. This article, however, will delve into the mental aspect of the uptempo pace the Ducks have favored is seasons past, as experienced by the Ducks’ opponents. I want to know if there is a hangover effect from playing the Ducks. Before we go …
During mini-camps earlier this summer, both Marcus Mariota and Jameis Winston impressed their new teams and were praised for their accuracy and leadership qualities. In the relatively low-intensity practices, the quarterbacks looked good and impressed their fan bases, coaching staffs and their teammates. Thus far in the preseason training camp, Mariota is without an interception in his first five practices, …
No college football program faces a greater disparity between reality and reputation than Oregon. One would think that having the nation’s highest winning percentage over the past five seasons in what could easily be argued as college football’s deepest conference would warrant some respect. And, in fairness, it has to a certain extent – the Ducks do ultimately earn the rankings …
“He’s a project … second-best quarterback in the draft … not pro ready!” Such were the cries of many draft analysts in the first quarter of the year. Of course, they were talking about Marcus Mariota. Many so-called “experts” such as Bucky Brooks, had Mariota falling to the late teens before being drafted. Many others saw him as playing second fiddle to …
Oregon quarterbacks do not have the best track record when it comes to production at the NFL level. Since 1999 and prior to Marcus Mariota, Oregon had five quarterbacks taken in the NFL Draft, two of which were 1st-round picks – Akili Smith and Joey Harrington — two in the 5th round – Dennis Dixon and A.J. Feely — and Kellen Clemens, who was taken …
The 2015 NFL Draft is finally here and the first round is tonight at 5 p.m. PDT on ESPN and the NFL Network. At last, Duck fans will know where Marcus Mariota will start his NFL career. Among critics, Mariota is considered the first- or second-best quarterback – depending on whom you ask — and will likely be a top-5 overall …
Earlier this morning Jon Gruden hosted a conference call where the former NFL coach and current ESPN analyst fielded questions regarding the NFL Draft. Gruden has been evaluating pro talent for more than 25 years, so his opinion is considered highly . Gruden began by talking about the tough position that Tampa Bay is in with the No. 1 pick, saying, “It’s a tough …
As the ongoing debate about which QB, Marcus Mariota or Jameis Winston, should be taken first in the NFL draft rages on, experts are noting that Mariota is making a stronger and stronger case to overtake Winston. The initial sentiments toward Mariota were that he was a system QB who would crumble in the NFL once he had to operate outside …
Mike Merrell’s Three-and-Out Some things never get old. Remembering wonderful things that came our way out of the blue always brings a smile. For sheer joy, it’s a toss-up between that and remembering the most outlandish, hilarious misfortunes that happened to those whom we might consider our enemies. Three defining moments of Oregon Football 2014 are the subjects of this …
This week is my wife’s birthday. She turns (#@#%* transmission garbled) years old. I wanted to get her the best birthday gift possible, so I did what any intelligent husband would do. She said, “A trip to Hawaii sounds fun.” I would have to sell my body a jillion times over to finance a trip to Hawaii. I could see …
As the 2015 NFL Draft starts approaching closer, a handful of NFL teams are beginning to narrow their interest on who they are going to draft. A lot of speculation has surrounded the quarterback position with top prospects QB Marcus Mariota and Jameis Winston. Most sports analysts feel that Winston will be selected as the first overall pick by the …
The majority of NFL and draft experts, with NFL insiders and everyone else who matters for ESPN and NFL Network agree that Jameis Winston is the best QB in the draft. Despite this, there are a few oddballs who say that Marcus Mariota is indeed, the top QB. One of those oddballs is NFL Network draft analyst, Mike Mayock. In an article for NFL.com, …