The Good News is the bad news at the same time

Chris Courtney of educk reports the defense was dominating today, but of course that means the offense couldn't move the ball.  Not untypical for this time of the year; offense requires timing and finesse, and cohesiveness in the offensive line.  Every February and March the hitters feast until the pitchers are ready to throw breaking balls.  Here are a couple of Courtney's highlights from practice:

Tipped passes at the line of scrimmage, stingy run defense, and hard-hitting play marked the defense's performance inside the Moshofsky Center this morning. Oregon junior linebacker Kiko Alonso had maybe the hit of the day on senior tight end Brandon Williams, who made the reception before being flattened by the star-crossed Alonso, who served a team suspension while recovering from an knee injury last season. The hit left Williams writhing on the ground, though he was able to get up and walk off under his own power, returning to action minutes later.

The versatile and reliable Kenjon Barner was the lone bright spot for the offense:

The one offensive player who did enjoy success against the defense Wednesday was junior running back Kenjon Barner. Barner, who has seen time lined up at a myriad of positions this spring. His slashing runs and effectiveness catching the ball out of the backfield and turning it in to significant gains highlighted the offense's day.


The Oregon defense is likely to be pretty stingy anyway this year, with strength inside and speed all over the field.  Here's hoping the offense finds its rhythm enough to put on a decent show at the spring game and establish some momentum for next fall.  Last year's spring game was very entertaining,  a good offensive show with no serious injuries.  Both quarterbacks showed promise and put together some drives.

With three weeks remaining in the spring, ten more practices and the spring game, it will be interesting to see who emerges and works their way up the depth chart.  FishDuck will have another practice report next Wednesday the 13th.

Chip Kelly's post-practice comments, Day 5, from Molly Blue of oregonlive.com