Duke Midseason Report Card: Breaking Down the Offense
Duke’s offense was expected to undergo a transformation from last season’s, but this is ridiculous.
The Blue Devils lost most of the receivers that contributed last season, losing 70 percent of the team’s catches and yards and 80 percent of the touchdowns. Duke also lost the quarterback who got them the ball. Daniel Jones left early to go to the NFL where he was a No. 6 overall pick and is currently starting for the Giants.
With a new quarterback, receiving corps and two new offensive linemen, Duke unveiled the season’s big surprise—a new relationship with the triple option offense as a change of pace to Duke’s usual passing attack.
The decision makes sense. Forcing defenses to prep for the triple option—always a time sink when Georgia Tech was running it—helps to mitigate the inexperienced offensive line and take advantage of Duke’s depth at running back to start the season.
Here’s a look at how the new offense is doing at the halfway point of the season:
The Blue Devils are scoring almost five points per game more than last season. So clearly, Duke is doing something right. Here’s a closer look at the 2019 offense.
What’s gone well:
1. Pass protection: Duke’s line has freshmen manning both tackle spots, but the Blue Devils have done a remarkable job protecting quarterback Quentin Harris. Duke has allowed the tenth fewest sacks in the nation, partially due to the line and partially due to Harris’ ability to move in the pocket and release the ball quickly. Running backs also haven’t been hit for loss very often, as Duke has allowed the fifth fewest tackles for loss this year.
2. Running game: The deep running back stable didn’t work out the way Duke hoped heading into the season. Brittain Brown battled a shoulder problem all year, limiting his snaps until he finally had season-ending surgery. In his place, Deon Jackson and Mataeo Durant have picked up their production, along with Harris calling his own number on run plays. Duke’s rushing production is up more than 20 yards a game.
3. Young receivers: Duke took no time at all to rebuild the receiving corps. True freshman Jalon Calhoun started from day one and leads the team in catches, yardage and receiving touchdowns. Eli Pancol and Darrell Harding Jr. have also had big moments, while veterans Aaron Young, Scott Bracey and Jake Bobo are making the most of their chance to play.
Second half adjustments
1. Consistency: When things are clicking, Duke’s offense looks tough to stop. When they aren’t it’s tough to envision Duke every getting a first down again. The Blue Devils had five yards in the first quarter at Virginia Tech. In just over 36 minutes of game time between the first and third quarters against Pitt, Duke gained 67 yards.
2. Depth in the backfield: Duke is trying to get freshmen running backs Jordan Waters and Jaylen Coleman ready to play, to take some of the pressure off of Jackson and Durant. The Blue Devils also are very thin behind the fifth-year senior Harris at quarterback.
