Erratic quarterback play is drawing harsh criticism from Oregon followers

By Kevin Hampton
Corvallis Gazette-Times

EUGENE — Dennis Dixon apologized to members of the media on Monday afternoon.

Dixon, the University of Oregon quarterback, was a no-show to talk to reporters after the Ducks’ 37-10 loss to Arizona at Autzen Stadium.

Dixon had three interceptions in the game and was booed by the hometown fans before Brady Leaf stepped in late.

Football hasn’t been easy for Dixon lately. His interception total this season has reached 13 and the Ducks offense has sputtered in recent weeks, putting up 10 points in each of the last two games. Dixon has passed for 2,021 yards this year with 11 touchdowns.

It turned out Dixon was having a very long conversation with UO offensive coordinator Gary Crowton after the game and everyone had left by the time he was free.

On Monday, Dixon took full responsibility for his play and the offensive struggles. But it is up to him to keep his starting job for Friday’s Civil War game at Oregon State this week in practice. Oregon coach Mike Bellotti could choose to go with Brady Leaf against the Beavers.

“It’s hard,” Dixon said. “You go this far and the team is relying on you. It hasn’t gone my way lately and I’ve got to see that. I’ve got to analyze that and actually step my game up to a different level. Whatever that call is as to what goes on this week, that’s totally up to the coaches. I’m going to continue to do what I do best and hopefully that’s good enough.”

Dixon said he heard the boos and has read columns critical of his play, but is determined to focus on eliminating the mistakes rather than allowing others to become a distraction.

His ability to read defenses consistently has come into question, but Dixon said he has been OK in that area. Injuries have forced the Ducks to shuffle their receivers and at times they have not been on the same page as Dixon.

“Sometimes you’ve got to make a play,” he said. “That’s what quarterbacks have to do and I’m getting adjusted to that slowly but surely. It takes time and practice.”

If Dixon doesn’t show the coaches enough improvement, they won’t hesitate to start Leaf or play him extensively.

Oregon center Enoka Lucas said the rest of the offensive players are comfortable with either player at quarterback.

He said each player brings different talents to the table and gives Oregon two strong options at quarterback.

“I have confidence in both of them,” Lucas said. “Their style is really different from each other. Dennis, he’ll run, he’ll get away (from the defense) and if you give Brady enough time, he’ll pick you apart. So we’ll see.”

Leaf knows a little something about the trials and tribulations of quarterbacking as the younger brother of former Washington State and NFL quarterback Ryan Leaf and said that Dixon is handling the adversity well.

“Quarterback’s a tough position,” Brady Leaf said. “They love you when you’re winning and they hate you when you’re losing.

“I’ve known that since I was 9. My family’s been through that a lot, so I kind of understand that. It might be difficult at times for Dennis, he’s never really had that kind of criticism, I think. Through high school he was always the man and since he’s got here, he’s done a great job.”

Leaf has played a fair amount for a backup and has stayed ready to play by preparing well each week. He will step in without a beat if needed against Oregon State.

He said Dixon has played very well throughout the season for Oregon, which is often easy for people to forget when things go wrong for a game or two.

“We wouldn’t be where we’re at without for him,” Leaf said. “The Oklahoma game was one of the coolest things I ever saw, coming back from that (deficit) and he had a huge part in that. He’s had some down times this season and he’s had some good points. A lot of people call it a controversy, but it benefits this team that you have two guys who can go out there and help.”