With James on the sideline, the Oregon Ducks need Darron Thomas to assert himself

For the season junior quarterback Darron Thomas has good numbers. In his career he’s 16-2 as a starter. But looking more closely, he has had two great games and one great half against Cal, and for the rest of the time he’s regressed. Thomas hasn’t found rhythm or consistency for long stretches of games. With new receivers and a rebuilding offensive line in front of him, the Oregon passing attack has sputtered and misfired.

With LaMichael James likely to miss the ASU game and a question mark for the next 2-3 weeks. Thomas needs to turn a corner as the Ducks’ triggerman. He has to be sharper. He has to scan the field presnap and find the best matchup. He has to recognize the coverage and deliver the football, on time and in the right place.

Josh Huff and De’Anthony Thomas are emerging as the downfield targets he needs, and Thomas must find a way to spread the ball around and get David Paulson, Colt Lyerla, Lavasier Tuinei and Rahsaan Vaughn involved in the offense. The running game needs a passing threat with the best back in the country wearing a visor on the sideline. Balance and a downfield threat will increase the effectiveness of Kenjon Barner and Tra Carson carrying the ball.

It all starts with Darron Thomas, who can be a great dual threat quarterback if he plays his best football more often.

Thomas’ game by game stats, from espn.com: