The Oregon Ducks took full advantage of their Week 5 bye to regroup after a challenging start to the 2026 college football season. Their safety play, a significant concern through the first four games, has yet to find consistent footing. High-profile transfer Koi Perich has yet to meet expectations, while returning starter Aaron Flowers has been slow on several critical plays. The team faces a decision on whether to adjust the defensive scheme or personnel ahead of their Week 6 home game against the UCLA Bruins.
Meanwhile, Oregon’s former safeties made impressive contributions in NFL Week 4, continuing a trend of impact performances. Evan Williams, Dillon Thieneman, and Jevon Holland each turned in standout games for their respective teams.
Williams, now with the Green Bay Packers, posted a team-high seven tackles against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, added a sack, two pass deflections, and secured an interception in a 17-14 victory. That win kept the Packers from falling to 1-3. Williams leads Green Bay with 36 tackles and appears to be a central figure in their defensive unit.
In Chicago, rookie safety Dillon Thieneman anchored another strong defensive effort for the Bears without their starting quarterback Caleb Williams. Thieneman recorded seven tackles in the 23-12 win over the New York Jets and remains the Bears’ leading tackler with 30 stops through four weeks.
Jevon Holland continued his solid start to his sixth season with the New York Giants, tallying seven tackles in Sunday’s 36-24 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. His contributions have helped stabilize the Giants’ defense early in the campaign.
Not every former Duck had a smooth outing. Quarterback Bo Nix struggled to lead the Denver Broncos past the San Francisco 49ers despite completing 25 of 42 passes for 214 yards and throwing a late touchdown. Denver lost 24-14 and now sits at 2-2 in the AFC West.
Bucky Irving, the Buccaneers’ running back, carried the ball 16 times for 61 yards in the loss to Green Bay. With quarterback Baker Mayfield possibly sidelined for several weeks, Irving may be asked for a larger offensive role as Tampa Bay tries to snap its 0-4 start.
Justin Herbert’s difficulties continued with the Los Angeles Chargers. Herbert completed 19 of 31 passes for 189 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions in a 30-23 defeat against the Seattle Seahawks. The Chargers remain winless at 0-4.
Linebacker Bryce Boettcher made five tackles, two solo, in the Indianapolis Colts’ 30-13 win over the Washington Commanders in London. The Colts improved to 2-2 after starting the season 0-2.
Tight end Juwan Johnson led the New Orleans Saints in receiving for the second consecutive game, catching six passes for 59 yards in a 45-24 loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Monday Night Football. The Saints sit at 1-3, struggling to live up to preseason expectations in the NFC South.
Oregon’s coaching staff will be watching closely as their former defensive backs thrive at the professional level while their current unit searches for answers. The Week 5 break offers a chance for rest but also reflection on how best to shore up a defense that has shown vulnerability in the secondary. The upcoming clash with UCLA will test whether changes come in personnel or approach.
According to Yahoo Sports.
