The Tape: Max Unger Misses the Blitz II

by John Morgan on May 6, 2009 1:53 PM PDT

The Ducks had the lowest time of possession in Division I and yet one of the best offenses. I wonder if Max Unger will need to improve his conditioning before becoming an effective pro. He'll definitely need to improve his blitz recognition.

Unger and the Oregon line start right, but Unger forcefully cuts back left, gets under Tonga Tea and pushes him right off the screen.

Reads, adjusts to stunt, fades left and finishes a good pass block.

Misreads blitz: Ducks break 2WR (left), WR (right), RB (right), TE (left), SG. Cowboys in a 3-3 nickel. Oklahoma State rushes its defensive line offensive-left and its linebackers offensive-right. It's a very vanilla blitz package reminiscent autumnal Ray Rhodes. It's also not too hard to block unless the line is taken in by the movement off the snap. Oregon's line is. Against the 107^th ranked pass rush. Unger, specifically, is caught chasing the Cowboys nose tackle, pulling himself well out of place and leaving his accompanying right side moving to fill the middle. The Cowboys left outside and middle linebacker then have only the tight end to beat. Patrick Lavine comes free and pressures Masoli. Masoli throws a nice pass to receiver Terrence Scott's outside shoulder for 13 and the first.

Unger blocks right and a botched lateral attempt becomes a fumble. Ricky Price recovers at the Oregon 41.

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Snaps more important than TOP

They averaged almost 74 plays into whatever time of possession they did have. Oregon runs no-huddle and at times they go at an extremely fast pace—I can’t tell you how many times teams I’ve seen teams fail to line up against them before the ball was snapped. Whatever his issues, I don’t think conditioning will be one of them.

by DoubleB on May 6, 2009 2:55 PM PDT reply actions

That's a good point.

Oregon did have the 7th most offensive plays in college football.

by John Morgan on May 6, 2009 3:04 PM PDT up reply actions

I'm sorry, but I don't believe the caption for one second.

Unger won’t be the starting center because I don’t think the organization drafted Unger to be the starting center – at least, not yet. This season makes or breaks Spencer, and I suspect we’ll see a lot of Unger when Spencer’s injuries flare up.

"Part, fools!
Put up your swords. You know not what you do."

by Fearless Frog on May 6, 2009 3:13 PM PDT reply actions

Agreeing with someone isn't a weakness, you know.

You disagreed with an assertion that Unger won’t be the starting center because you believe that Unger won’t be the starting center. Color me confused.

by abender20 on May 6, 2009 3:29 PM PDT up reply actions