Sometimes, you have to notice the glass is half-full, too. I'll forego disagreeing with the writer's view of possibilities when Herbert returns: a passing game is 50% of an offense and with this particular Duck one, it's even more.
For two quarters, the team played pretty well: the offensive calls by the coaches are the seeming problem. Why abandon a short-passing game all-but-completely? Sure, Burmeister blew two easy screen passes that both looked open for good yardage, but if defeat is looming, what's to lose from giving him more opportunities, anyhow? 
The D continues to impress: it upheld it's part of the deal in keeping the game close and giving the ball repeatedly back to the offense--- which then failed to score (at all, in the second half).
The Ducks have plenty of studs on D: Dye, Apelu, Moi, Scott, Jelks (where was he yesterday, injured?)--- but injuries and a lack of depth have taken a toll. 
Sure, let's criticize the team, but these Ducks keep fighting, try-like-hell.