Oregon still looking for improved physicality after first scrimmage of fall camp

Through the early portion of Oregon’s fall camp, players and coaches have spoken glowingly about the improved physicality of the Ducks’ defense.

However, that physicality came and went in spurts on Saturday when the Ducks held their first scrimmage of the season, according to head coach Dan Lanning.

“It needs to be better at times,” Lanning said. “I thought we again started slow, right? We operated like we were going to be in thud mode today. And then those guys didn’t go down. We’ve gotta tackle. And the only way to get good at is practicing it. Now, it came on and some physicality showed up throughout practice. But we have to continue to take that to another level.”

The scrimmage was closed to reporters, and Lanning wasn’t willing to discuss the performances of specific players in detail as he wants to review the film first.

Saturday marked the first time the Ducks have tackled to the ground this fall, according to Lanning. While he did credit the Ducks’ ball carriers for playing well, he said the defense’s early struggles were more a product of having to acclimate to going full-tackle.

From the sound of things, though, the Ducks’ defense began to find its footing as the afternoon went on. Lanning said it produced three interceptions and forced a fumble.

“They (had some explosive plays) early on,” Lanning said of Oregon’s offense. “Like I said, they scored pretty much with ease. We didn’t punt early on in the scrimmage. We were trying to actually have some punts and we didn’t punt because we didn’t stop ’em. But, then on the back end, like I said, the defense kind of came back.”

On multiple occasions, Lanning declined to specifically discuss specific players’ performances.

“If there was somebody that just absolutely tore it up, I would tell you,” Lanning said. “But I don’t think there was any of that.”

One bright note for the Ducks was the inclusion of senior nose tackle Popo Aumavae, who “was out there a little bit” after missing Friday’s practice. Junior defensive lineman Keyon Ware-Hudson and redshirt freshman receiver Justius Lowe, who also were absent on Friday, did not take part in the scrimmage.

Oregon is slated to hold its second scrimmage at Autzen next Saturday.

“I have to watch the film probably before I can tell you what I need to improve on,” Lanning said. “We’ve gotta take care of the ball better. That’s an easy one to come away with. We got to tackle better. It’s an easy one for defense. Gotta communicate and just operate more efficiently. But beyond that, I need to go watch the film to be able to tell you what you guys want to hear.”

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