Oregon Ducks

For Oregon Football Fans, Pointing The Positive Finger At 2017 May Be More Healthy

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Oregon will fight for the rest of the season and fans need to re-think their attitude for the rest of 2016.

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It is a year of growing pains and mounting injuries, but Oregon tries to move forward.

The Oregon Ducks 2016 season is unraveling at the seams, or so it appears. Quarterback Dakota Prukop spoke about execution last week before Oregon met Washington State. He did not have a very good night against the Cougars on Saturday. The Oregon Offensive Line showed that youth may not be served this season as it has in the past. That statement is even more clear on the Defensive side of the ball, but the issue is not totally about play on the field,

Injuries have taken their toll just one month into the season. Running Back Royce Freeman missed two games before returning against Washington State. He powered Oregon to three touchdowns, but the Cougars ran for six. The Oregon Defense lost their heart in the third quarter when one of the more experienced players Johnny Ragin went down and needed help off the field. It did not look good as it appears he may be out for an extended period.

He was seen on the sideline with a pretty heavy cast on his left leg as he was carted off the field in tears. The Defense could have used Freshman Troy Dye against Washington State, but he has yet to travel with the team this season. He also missed the trip to Nebraska.

The ‘next man up’ mantra which worked well in the past is now seriously flawed. The reason, lack of experience. Players who were Freshman and Sophomores a few years ago are back in the shoes of being Freshman once again with a new 4-3 Defense. Everyone is learning something new. The wrinkles that Brady Hoke should be adding now are not able to be executed with the talent Oregon has.

By the way, there is talent on this team, and a ton of it. It’s the little things that could have this team at 4-1 right now rather than 2-3. Whether it is the fault of coaches or the student athletes, it should not matter. I have not said that 2016 is a rebuilding year for Oregon because it is not. The talent should have a firm grasp on what needs to be done, the coaches can see that more time is needed to get there, and the fans want to know why the Oregon Ducks have four losses and the season is all but lost.

Patience and experience are needed. 2016 is a season in progression. A progression toward 2017. The coaching staff should remain and have an chance to dig this out. The fans who have broken ankles from jumping off the bandwagon can stay where they are. Oregon will be back in the National Spotlight sooner rather than later.

It is better to have growing pains at the beginning of the season, than at the end of the season anyway. Oregon welcomes Washington on Saturday for a 4:30pm PT kickoff on FOX,

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