Oregon got off to a roaring start in 2017, going 4-1 with the only blemish being a hard-fought 37-35 loss at Arizona State. The recurring theme for all those games? Offense. The Ducks scored at least 35 points in each of those games, including a 77-spot against FCS Southern Utah and 45 against Cal for its first conference win.

That win against Cal came with a cost, however, as quarterback Justin Herbert suffered a shoulder injury and ended up missing the next five games. With Herbert out, the offense suffered, only scoring more than two touchdowns in a game once when Herbert was out. The numbers were stark -- with Herbert on the field, Oregon was 6-2 and averaged 49.1 points per game. Without Herbert? Oregon went 1-4 and put up just 15 points per game.

As one would expect, keeping Herbert healthy and on the field is a major concern for the Ducks.

"We have invested extra time and effort into our offensive line, making sure we can protect that much longer, that much better, keep his jersey clean," first-year Oregon head coach Mario Cristobal told our Pac-12 Networks crew at 2018 Pac-12 Football Media Day. "At the same time, I think you see Justin -- he has invested in himself and his body to be able to withstand the rigors of the season and be able to take on some of those punishing blows and still remain healthy."

If Herbert is able to remain healthy (and he has put on eight pounds of muscle this offseason to be able to better handle the big hits), not only will Oregon have a chance to have a special 2018 season, but on a personal level, Herbert could make some serious waves. Having already become the fastest player in program history to reach 3,000 career passing yards, the junior quarterback is considered a top 25 prospect for the 2019 NFL Draft by CBS Sports. There is even some Heisman talk surrounding the talented signal-caller.

In order for Herbert and the Ducks to take the next step and become conference championship contenders, the Davey O'Brien and Maxwell Award Watch Lists member is striving for better communication and chemistry with his teammates.

"I think one of the biggest challenges has been comfortability with the guys -- being able to be vocal and expressing what I need from them and what they need from me, and so when we get to that level, I think the sky is the limit," Herbert said. "I think what we've built in Eugene is special...I'm excited to get the year started and can't wait to see where we go."