I really like our defense this season

[DmoneyDuck]

For the first time since 2001 with the 3 M's (Mallard, Mitchell, Morretti), Oregon finally has some linebackers who can be the strength of the defense. Casey Matthews is one of the better MLB in conference and has played since his true freshman season. Potentially, Spencer Paysinger could be one of the best LB'ers ever at UO. I recently re-watched the CW and plan on watching the Holiday Bowl again, but his speed is outstanding for his size. He was a big reason why the fly sweep was negated and that Pick 6 showed his wheels. I haven't seen too much of Pleasent, but have heard nothing but good things and we have 4* JUCO LB LittleJohn as our 4th backer, and I love me some JUCO's.

The secondary is going to be stacked again. WTIII is a top 3 DB in conference and should minimize throws to his side of the field. Ward has been one of the bigger surprises ever at UO, from walk-on to maybe 1st Team All-Pac-10? He lays the wood and really makes carriers think twice about heading to his side of the field. I really think this year will be a better overall year for the safeties because he and Chung were so similar in being run stoppers. I really wish Byrd would have stayed, his playmaking ability will be missed. I do have faith in either Willie or TJIII filling the void nicely though. Willie has been with the program forever so at least he has experience and I was very impressed whenever Talmedge played last year. I think he has All Pac-10 potential.

The D-Line. Everyone and their mother think this is a huge weakness, but I wholeheartedly disagree. Losing Reed is a huge blow, but I have been high on Kenny Rowe(hope he stays at DE and not OLB) since we got him out of LB Poly. He is the edge rusher we need to rack up the sacks. Tukuafu should have another stellar season, possibly leading the conference in sacks. The ends are the supposed problems though; it's the tackles. This year really is reminiscent of 2003 when Haloti went out and Igor(wasn't a sure thing, but shown flashes before hand) and Junior Siavii came in and made it a strength. I really liked Linehan and Harris, but they weren't worldbeaters either. The JC guys we got should be able to eat space and maybe have a breakout year like Junior did in 03.

Because of who we have calling the plays on defense, we will give up the points, but I think the defensive results will be similar to last year, maybe even better since we have the tough games at home. In the end, kickoff coverage (they always seem to let the opposition start at the 40) and if we can find a lightning to Blount's thunder will be the difference between Top 2 finish in the Pac or another 8 win season. I have complete faith in the OL.

[echo31]

Ward has been one of the bigger surprises ever at UO, from walk-on to maybe 1st Team All-Pac-10? He lays the wood and really makes carriers think twice about heading to his side of the field. I really think this year will be a better overall year for the safeties because he and Chung were so similar in being run stoppers.

This was at times our biggest problem with the secondary last year. Ward would creep up to stop the run (especially on play action) and we would be burned on a deep pass. Hopefully Ward stays back and plays centerfield more this year and allows the linebackers to do what they need to do at the LOS.

[brich75]

Man, could you imagine if the D is stopping teams 3 and out and getting us the ball that much more? we would break the spirits of most teams before half time.

[bigsugarduck]

Ward may not have been given a scholarship initially but he was always a major talent. Unfortunately for him he blew out his knee junior or senior year of high school and no one was willing to give him a scholarship, but fortunately for the Ducks his buddies ended up here so we got a hobbled walk-on who, if he hadn't injured himself, would have racked up offers from almost every Pac 10 school. I suppose the surprising thing was that he did fully recover from the knee injury, or at least is able to play through what ever pain/issues he is feeling. TJ Ward is a great story for us....I think he'll get some nice Pub this year which is greatly deserved....Might even make it to the pros as long as he passes a physical.

[freedjr]

Man, could you imagine if the D is stopping teams 3 and out and getting us the ball that much more? we would break the spirits of most teams before half time.

Breaking even more records too!

[woundedknees]

How many points could the 2nd string rack up if the D started consistently producing 3 and outs?

A healthy Costa could potentially become the next AJ Feeley...

[uodux1212]

Man, could you imagine if the D is stopping teams 3 and out and getting us the ball that much more? we would break the spirits of most teams before half time.

Three and out, whats that?!?

[woundedknees]

Tis' better to think of breaking the spirits of opposing teams than to be breaking out the spirits to ease our own after another 3rd and long conversion...

[nogerO]

Man, could you imagine if the D is stopping teams 3 and out and getting us the ball that much more? we would break the spirits of most teams before half time.

Three and out, whats that?!?

Don't think I've heard of or seen one since Thick Nick has been our "so-called" Defensive coordinator.

[brich75]

Man, could you imagine if the D is stopping teams 3 and out and getting us the ball that much more? we would break the spirits of most teams before half time.

Three and out, whats that?!?

Don't think I've heard of or seen one since Thick Nick has been our "so-called" Defensive coordinator.

I know, but I've heard of them and even seen it on t.v.

[justducky0]

"Ward has been one of the bigger surprises ever at UO, from walk-on to maybe 1st Team All-Pac-10?" actually TJ Ward was a highly rated prospect, but I believe his senior or Junior year of High school he injured his knee, thus losing a lot of his recruiting hype. So actually its not quite the rags to riches story. I am not taking anything away from him though he is a great player

[AJ_U]

Ward is for sure one of the best DB's to come through Oregon.

I think Walter is going to have a hell of a season and be a lock down on the pass and a heavy hitter on the run. Willie is also going to step up this year and play a big part in our D. If byrd didn't leave early we would be in really good shape, but his loss wont kill us.

LittleJohn will have a break out freshman year IMO, Matthews and Paysinger will play fast and hard and round out a very soild linebacker crew.

I'm really excited to see this D come together as a unit this season

[northbeachsf]

Echo,
That is the benefit of having Jackson III. I agree with the original post that our pass defense might be better this season, even with the loss of Byrd and Chung. Jackson can really cover space back there and I think you will see him gamble less, not cheat up as much to stop the run, and actually make more plays on the ball.

Ward has been one of the bigger surprises ever at UO, from walk-on to maybe 1st Team All-Pac-10? He lays the wood and really makes carriers think twice about heading to his side of the field. I really think this year will be a better overall year for the safeties because he and Chung were so similar in being run stoppers.

This was at times our biggest problem with the secondary last year. Ward would creep up to stop the run (especially on play action) and we would be burned on a deep pass. Hopefully Ward stays back and plays centerfield more this year and allows the linebackers to do what they need to do at the LOS.

[UOducksTK1]

For the first time since 2001 with the 3 M's (Mallard, Mitchell, Morretti), Oregon finally has some linebackers who can be the strength of the defense. Casey Matthews is one of the better MLB in conference and has played since his true freshman season. Potentially, Spencer Paysinger could be one of the best LB'ers ever at UO. I recently re-watched the CW and plan on watching the Holiday Bowl again, but his speed is outstanding for his size. He was a big reason why the fly sweep was negated and that Pick 6 showed his wheels. I haven't seen too much of Pleasent, but have heard nothing but good things and we have 4* JUCO LB LittleJohn as our 4th backer, and I love me some JUCO's.

I'm loving our LB group this season. What's amazing is that all of them will be back next season. I'm excited to see what Pleasent can do on the field, I think he could be a big force for us. If not, we have depth to come in and fill in any voids.

[duckgrad99]

Remember that Allioti is still here. Our defense was also highly regarded before last season and it disappointed even with guys like Chung and Byrd here. Until Nick is gone, I will remain skeptical about the defense.