Where Do We Go From Here?

[echo31]

The D played adequately for being on the field for the insane amount of time they played. I resist calling them soft, or poorly coached when they had to be gassed, which leads to mistakes. I like that they never gave up and that Moore is probably the most accurate QB we will face all season. Now he is out of the way.

Every one keeps saying this, but BSU's first offensive drive of the game (when our defense was rested) started on the 4 yard line and went 84 yards on 18 plays. We had them at the nine yard line with a third and 5 only to allow them to get a first down. How is that good defense?

[gregspechtismyhero]

The defensive line showed definite improvement in the game. The line started to get more pressure on Moore, but our coverage is s***. There would be a receiver open and three guys around him...standing there. The O-line looked better as time went on, but still the inexperience was evident. Masoli looked really uncomfortable. He and Blount looked like their timing was way off, and they kept running into each other. JM's passing was awful, he showed sparks of what we know he can do, but he's still very inconsistent. If i were CK, I would talk to Masoli and tell him that this job is still his to lose, don't put any more pressure on himself and just play ball. We all know what he can do, he just needs to calm down and do it. We got the nerves out, now bring on Purdue!!

[oreducks15]

Among other things, get Maehl back in the slot and give Gaines, Jackson or Tuinei a shot out wide.

[duck58]

It might be a trite cliche; but I say "Lack of leadership", both from players and coaches. Now on ESPN, I did not see players arguing with coaches or yelling at CK as some have said. The sidelines were dead. Masoli does not seem to have leadership abilities and as one reporter said, last year he didn't have to. Where is the team leader? Remember Roper last year. He was more of a leader on the sidelines, congratulating and encouraging people coming out of the game and returning to the bench, including Masoli. Without that leadership it will be a long season; players arguing and fighting amongst themselves, losing their composure, ala Blount etc. Costa was supposed to be the next great QB until the injuries. If he has the leadership qualities necessary, it may be time to give him at least a shot at some playing time, or we may regret Roper leaving. Or maybe it is Thomas time. We don't just need a QB with talent, but one with leadership. May be wrong, but my opinion as of now.

[dthomas=ddixon]

I think our Offense will be ok, it's our D that I'm worried about. All that talent & speed and we're bringing a 3 man rush w zone coverage every 3rd down. According to coaches we have the top corner in the nation in WT3...WHY DON'T WE USE HIS SKILL?! On 3rd & long he's in a zone. On 3rd & short he's 15 yards off. It's automatic 1st down for the other teams offense, It makes no sense. Can someone please explain to me why this happens. Please?!

[ARGHimaPirate]

With all the play calling head coaches I have seen in the past, they always had a play calling sheet in their hands. CK didnt have one. Which means Helfrich was calling plays from the booth. If I am wrong someone please correct me. But if I am right, the offensive bed crapping isnt CK's fault. I dont know why Helfirich would be calling the plays to begin with. And I imgagine if he was calling the plays during the BSU game, he wont be calling them against Purdue.

There were negatives with ever aspect of the offense. That wasnt the case when CK was calling the plays. If CK did give up the play calling he gave it up too early. Purdue is not near as good a football team than Boise, if we stuggle as much against them, then I think its time to hit the panick button.

[duckgrad99]

Nowhere to go but up. The Boise St game couldn't have been scripted any worse for Kelly. This doesn't help much, but I guess we have to look at it like a lot of good teams would lose at Boise St and it's better to lose early than late. As others have said, struggle at home against Purdue and I will be worried. We will find out soon if the ducks are contenders or pretenders. This is where the coaches earn their money.

[Canard]

The D played adequately for being on the field for the insane amount of time they played. I resist calling them soft, or poorly coached when they had to be gassed, which leads to mistakes. I like that they never gave up and that Moore is probably the most accurate QB we will face all season. Now he is out of the way.

Every one keeps saying this, but BSU's first offensive drive of the game (when our defense was rested) started on the 4 yard line and went 84 yards on 18 plays. We had them at the nine yard line with a third and 5 only to allow them to get a first down. How is that good defense?

I don't recall saying it was good. Only that under the circumstances they held up their end of the bargain.

[greenyellow]

I think the RB position is in a similar situation as 1998 when Reuben Droughns went down. He was the only proven RB they had and once he was injured, they had to use very inexperienced RBs (Ho-Cihng, Jason Cooper, Darrien Lattimore) who didn't have many, if any, starts between them. As of now, I can see the Ducks sort of muddling through the season with a RB by committee approach until someone steps up and proves they should get a majority of the carries. I just not sure that James and Barner can hold up to a whole season of banging and don't believe Crenshaw should be an every down type of back. Alston isn't part of the equation right now due to his academic issues, so we're really down to 3 RBs. It's got me a little worried.

[duckgrad99]

I think the RB position is in a similar situation as 1998 when Reuben Droughns went down. He was the only proven RB they had and once he was injured, they had to use very inexperienced RBs (Ho-Cihng, Jason Cooper, Darrien Lattimore) who didn't have many, if any, starts between them. As of now, I can see the Ducks sort of muddling through the season with a RB by committee approach until someone steps up and proves they should get a majority of the carries. I just not sure that James and Barner can hold up to a whole season of banging and don't believe Crenshaw should be an every down type of back. Alston isn't part of the equation right now due to his academic issues, so we're really down to 3 RBs. It's got me a little worried.

Chris Harper blew his chance,and it sure would have been nice to have Bryce Brown.