Are the Ducks Doomed when Mariota Leaves?

Ducks headed for their certain demise?

Former Ducks QB Jeramiah Masoli Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports

Remember when Jeramiah Masoli’s departure was sure to lead to a step back and their ultimate demise of the Oregon Ducks? At my real job in 2010 I was literally working in a cave in Kansas City and I remember the day Masoli crossed Kelly for the last time. Summer was the busiest time of year for me so I did have an employee mention it but little more than that. His direct quote was “How many games will Oregon lose this year now that you don’t have Masoli?” My response, “They might be better.”

The emergence of Darron Thomas

In the limited time we’d seen Darron Thomas, he was really good and while we were a year without seeing him, in 2008 when pressed into duty against Boise State, who literally knocked Masoli from the game with a cheap shot. He very nearly led a comeback. He was accurate, he understood the reads, he had one interception but he honestly looked really good. He came into a game already out of hand with the Oregon Ducks trailing 37-13. He brought the team back within 5. But then Masoli came back. And Masoli added a dimension to the run game Thomas just didn’t have.

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On that summer day in 2010, I remember getting into the car and hearing from a local Kansas City radio host “Oregon losing Masoli will take a huge step backwards,” chuckling “They just can’t dismiss their starting QB a month and a half before the season and be any good.” I’m paraphrasing but this was the basic sentiment and those in and outside of the fan base shared it.

Except it wasn’t accurate. As we reflect on Darron Thomas was very similar to Dennis Dixon in body type, fluidity and his knowledge of the offense. And while he made decisions, like Dixon that really made you scratch your head, his fluidity was a driving force in making players like LaMichael James, Kenjon Barner and De’Anthony Thomas look so good. The defense’s inability to see where the ball was because of his mastery of the read option made him very good. His quick release off the fake made him better. He was more accurate than Masoli, even if you gave up physicality in the run game, what you gained was obvious. To date that 2010 season was Oregon’s, the season of Oregon’s supposed demise of the Ducks, even falling 3 points short in the National Championship. The following season they won the Rose Bowl, before seeing an early departure from Thomas who decided to forgo his Senior Season and throw his name into the NFL draft.

To many this decision was a shock, especially given that Thomas wasn’t highly regarded as an NFL QB. He had just lead his Ducks to back to back Pac 10 Championships, a Rose Bowl win and a 3 point loss in the National Championship, why leave? That’s when rumors of him not being guaranteed his job and seeing Mariota in the rear view started.

Marcus Mariota

Marcus Mariota is without question the best player the Oregon Ducks have ever put on the field. He’s unquestionably the best player in the country this year. When all is said and done he is in my mind undoubtedly the most important Duck to play football. He reset the narrative at Oregon. When Marcus Mariota is your QB it’s hard for Pac-12 rivals to take shots with “I LOVE MY THUGS” shirts. He changed a culture that was already good, he’s made it better that’s rare. After Reggie Daniels (a redshirt sophomore who also wears the number 8) there shouldn’t be another number 8 suiting up for the Ducks. Mariota’s been that good and that important.

So Marus’ departure is the end, right?

So when Marcus leaves the Ducks certainly take a giant step back right? Sure, the Ducks got lucky with Mariota but that’s all it was right? Unquestionably, the next signal caller for the Oregon Ducks will have shoes that it seems impossible to fill, and unfair comparisons will be made. But does that mean Oregon will absolutely take a step back?

Sep 6, 2014; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks running back Royce Freeman (21) runs the ball against the Michigan State Spartans at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports

No, and I’m not saying it won’t happen, but absolutely? If Marcus leaves for the draft this year here is what Oregon will return. A running back that even reviewing the very impressive list of running backs in Oregon’s very long history of great running backs could be the best. The receivers, who have gotten better as the season has progressed, will be even better and they’ll add back Bralon Addison making this group a dynamic strength going into 2015.

The defense will be forced to glimpse towards a future without Ifo Ekpre-Olomu for the playoffs, making them better. So take those facts and add the increased focus on getting bigger at the lines, and getting more talent in recruiting and understand the idea of demise is laughable. Breathe easier over the offseason knowing that Oregon’s most successful head coach in his first two seasons will still be leading this team. Worrying about the future keeps one from enjoying the current success and is often done without all of the facts. Mariota’s fingerprints will be on this program for years to come. But the Oregon culture was here before and will be there after he leaves. So my advice is enjoy this incredible year and whatever comes over the next month as you face the sure hate about the 2015 Ducks take Aaron Rogers advice to Packer fans and R-E-L-A-X.

Oregon meets Florida State on New Year’s Day in the Rose Bowl in the first Semi-Final of the College Football Playoff.(2pm PT, ESPN)