All you people(and Austin) commenting about "protecting the quarterback"...and exactly how do you do that? 

I have seen QB's injured getting sacked, handing the ball off to an RB, after passing and running, standing in the pocket and having a lineman get blocked into him, bobble. the snap on a FG attempt as the holder(former Duck Nate Costa) and then try to run...the list is endless. 

My complaint last week on this issue(Taggart's play calling) is Brooks-James, Benoit, Griffin each had ONE rushing attempt. Freeman had 15 and Herbert had 10...that is not protecting the QB. Trying to score a TD in the first quarter is not in the same category. 

Protecting the QB or any star or starters is not having them in the game when the outcome is decided. Or not having them throw passes when none are needed(Alie against Wyoming in the waning seconds passsing into the end zone instead of taking knee...that is stupid). Criticism after an injury is easy.  Players are trying to win. GO DUCKS!