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Pass defense will be Oregon football's most improved category in 2024

By Connor Muldowney

Nov 24, 2023; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive back Tysheem Johnson (0) celebrates after making a tackle on a kickoff return during the second half against the Oregon State Beavers at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 24, 2023; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive back Tysheem Johnson (0) celebrates after making a tackle on a kickoff return during the second half against the Oregon State Beavers at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports / Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
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There weren't many "flaws" within the Oregon football program a year ago.

Sure, fans could argue that the big-game preparation was a flaw as Dan Lanning couldn't quite get over that Washington hurdle in both matchups, but they only lost by three in both defeats which indicates just how close they were to winning the Pac-12 and making the playoff.

But I digress.

Oregon was one of the most well-rounded teams in the nation with the second-best scoring offense and ninth-best scoring defense. The Ducks also ranked No. 29 in rushing, No. 1 in passing, and No. 2 in total offense while finishing 10th in rushing defense and 22nd in total defense.

The only "flaw" for Oregon? That passing defense. Oregon ranked 54th nationally against the pass, allowing about 216 yards per game through the air. That's not bad, but it's also not national title-worthy. But when the rest of the team is elite in its respective statistical categories, a top-60 pass defense isn't going to bring it down.

But that "weakness" is about to become a strength in 2024.

That's right, Oregon's 54th-ranked passing defense will likely end up being the most improved aspect of the team this season and it's because of the work that Lanning and Co. put in via the transfer portal and the 2024 class.

While guys like Cole Martin, Khyree Jackson (rest in peace), and Evan Williams are no longer on the roster, Lanning replaced them with the likes of Brandon Johnson, Kam Alexander, Jabbar Muhammad, Kobe Savage, Peyton Woodyard, Aaron Flowers, Dakoda Fields, and Sione Laulea. He replaced some elite talent with more elite talent and massive amounts of depth.

There are about 5-6 cornerbacks who are good enough to start this season along with 4-5 safeties who could slide into that starting lineup. That's the kind of depth you just don't see often.

That's the kind of depth that wins you national titles.

On top of all of the talented newcomers, the Ducks bring back Tysheem Johnson and Jahlil Florence who could both be All-Big Ten performers this season -- Johnson was honorable mention All-Pac-12 in 2023.

So even though Demetrice Martin is gone and some key All-Pac-12 performers from a year ago have moved on, the Ducks should see a huge improvement in their passing defense.

If this unit isn't ranked in the top 25 against the pass, I'd be shocked.

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