Of Chip Kelly’s System and the “Franchise QB” Conundrum

Noah Smith FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

It is well documented that a franchise QB is required in order to win the Super Bowl — at least, that is the common concept. However, this idea has two problems: First — and obvious issue — is that franchise QBs are extremely hard to find; there are many more franchises in the NFL than there are franchise QBs. The second …

NFL Draft is Near — Who Will Select Marcus Mariota?

Omar Garibay FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Don’t look now but April is officially here, which means that Easter is right around the corner. It also means that the NFL Draft is fast approaching, as well. For non-football fans, the Draft isn’t a huge deal, but for crazed football fans — and especially Oregon Duck fans — April 30 will be a very exciting day. The speculation about Marcus Mariota‘s …

Draft Dodgers — Mariota and Winston to Skip NFL Draft

Noah Smith FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

While many NFL Draft prospects will be sitting in Chicago waiting to hear Commissioner Roger Goodell, call their name, the Draft’s top-2 QBs will be sitting at home. While Jameis Winston had been alluding to not attending it for a while now, it was just recently that Oregon’s own Marcus Mariota, said he will not be attending  either. Most players tend to enjoy all …

What Happened in Eugene: How the Ducks Changed Football Forever

David Koh FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

When a fresh-faced Chip Kelly brought his shiny new version of the spread to the University of Oregon, he probably didn’t know he was about to start a revolution that would take over football from top to bottom.  He probably didn’t know he was about to create an archetype that coaches and coordinators would break their blackboards over for the …

Fans Interview Former Duck Anthony Trucks on Reddit

Adam Kruse Men of Oregon: Players and Coaches

Anthony Trucks was a two-year starting strong safety and linebacker for Oregon from 2002 – 2005. You might remember him for this play – ripping the ball away from Adrian Peterson at the goal line in the 2005 Holiday Bowl. The Ducks lost to the Sooners that day 17-14, only to get their revenge the next fall in one of the most legendary …

Fisher Improves Stock at NFL Combine

Ben Salaman FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

The University of Oregon‘s football program has made a name for itself over the years by producing players with dazzling speed and athleticism. However, last Friday, Oregon proved that there’s more to its program than athletically talented running backs and quarterbacks. Many prospects have already showcased their abilities to NFL scouts during the past week, but one former Duck earned their attention …

Marcus Mariota NFL Photo Hits Instagram

Jordan Ingram FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Marcus Mariota was the center of attention at the 2015 NFL scouting combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. And the Heisman winner didn’t leave without a memento from NFL staff photographer Ben Liebenberg, who released a photo of Mariota on Instagram yesterday. The photo depicts the Oregon Ducks’ highly decorated quarterback and native Hawaiian in a stunning, royal blue jacket, firmly holding a football displaying the …

Mariota to Throw at NFL Combine

Adam Kruse FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

According to multiple sources close to ESPN’s Chris Mortenson, former Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota will throw for prospective teams at 2015 NFL Combine to be held February 17-23 in Indianapolis. Mariota, along with Florida State’s Jameis Winston, are considered to be the top collegiate quarterbacks available in the 2015 NFL Draft. To what extent to participate in the NFL Combine is …

Could Adams Be Better Than Mariota?

Noah Smith FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Heresy! That should be the word going through your mind and escaping your lips when you read the title of this article. To think anyone could be a better Oregon QB than Marcus Mariota is simply ridiculous. But, in my research of Vernon Adams Jr., Oregon’s latest QB, I think there is the possibility that he could be better than …

Eagles’ Future: Why Not Bryan Bennett?

Noah Smith FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Last week Michael David Smith (no relation) wrote an article for ProFootballTalk.com, in which he claimed that Chip Kelly is “already plotting to move up for Marcus Mariota.” While I’ll take this article with a whole lot of salt, let’s just pretend for a minute that Kelly really is trying to trade up for Mariota. Most seem to agree he would need to …

EWU QB Vernon Adams Transferring To Oregon? Huge Risk Or Huge Reward For Ducks?

Adam Kruse FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Who is Vernon Adams? Maybe the next quarterback for the Oregon Ducks. Daily rumors are swirling as to potential candidates to become the next quarterback at Oregon. Monday, Head Coach Mark Helfrich said, “We’re going to exhaust every path to find the right guy, the right fit, but we certainly believe in who’s on campus and what’s to come.” One …

Armstead Declares for NFL Draft

Adam Kruse FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

In 2012, Arik Armstead came to Oregon as a 5-star recruit, but with a caveat. He was a 5-Star offensive tackle recruit who wanted to play defense. Oregon gave him that chance. Tuesday, the 6’9, 290-pound junior defensive end decided to forgo his senior season and make himself eligible for the NFL Draft. Armstead projects as a late first-round, early …