Oregon's secondary is an area of concern in 2023

Oregon has a chance to have a landmark season. However, the season could end in a landslide if the Ducks’ defensive backs don’t improve.

Oregon’s opponents averaged 265 passing yards per game last season, ranking 110th in the nation. On3’s own JD PicKell broke down the issue on Monday.

“Oregon’s built like a speedboat. But that secondary, man, last year allowed 270 passing yards a game. Can’t do that. They can’t have a speedboat and then spring a leak every now and then because your secondary can’t hold it down.

“In the Pac 12 conference, you’re gonna play too many good quarterbacks. I mean, look at this. You got Cameron Ward, you got Michael Penix Jr., you got Caleb Williams. You’re gonna play Cameron Rising likely at Utah,” PicKell said. “You can’t be built with a weak jaw and walk into a boxing match week in and week out with someone who’s got a strong right hook, who’s got a good quarterback, you understand?”

The Duck strengthed their jaws this offseason. The program welcomed safeties Tysheem Johnson (Ole Miss) and Evan Williams (Fresno State) with open arms. Johnson was a four-star coming out of high school. Williams earned All-Mountain West Second-Team honors last season.

Oregon also picked up steam on the outside, bringing in cornerback Khyree Jackson (Alabama) on January 27. PicKell believes if the new additions can hold their own weight, Oregon could make waves.

“They’re going to be tough. They’re going to be talented, but is the secondary able to hold up their end of the bargain?” PicKell said. “They have a game at Texas Tech early. You play USC, you’re at Utah, you’ve got Washington State at home, you’re at Washington.

“What I’m trying to say is it’s still going to be a bit of a gauntlet for Oregon. But, I believe if Bo Nix is who we were told he was a season ago, based on what Paul Nick told us with his play last year, he’s able to be as productive, and this defense continues to take on Dan Lanning’s persona, because Dan Lanning is a defensive guy now. Don’t forget it. If they do those two things. I think Oregon is going to be in a really competitive spot to win the Pac-12.”

Only time can tell where the Ducks will finish in their conference, but it won’t be nearly as high as they want unless they see significant production from their defensive backs. Watch Oregon begin its 2023 campaign as it takes on Portland State on Sept. 2.