Oregon won its first game at Autzen Stadium since Sept. 19 Saturday. Thanks to 777 yards of offense and arguably the defense’s best performance of the year, Oregon ran over the Cal Bears in a 44-28 win. But, 777 yards should’ve translated to more than 44 points, according to Oregon coach Mark Helfrich.

Helfrich addressed several aspects of the game Sunday during his weekly teleconference, talking about the red zone execution, the run game’s success and special teams.

A week ago, you said that you guys still had your best football ahead of you. Do you feel like your just starting to take off? 

I think we’re definitely playing better in phases and still need to put it together. Last night, a ton of yards but not the matching points. Red zone execution and interceptions in the end zone effect that. Field goals effect that.

It literally is instillation day one type of mistakes that can’t happen going forward. But as a whole, a ton of improvement. We need to stay on that trend.

Players and coaches were saying they were not satisfied. What exactly do you guys need to do to be satisfied with overall product of the game? 

You’re always chasing perfection. We always talk about chasing better and how you fit into the role. But just doing your job great, playing your role to absolute best ability.

With Vernon and his escapability, how much do you think that opened up things for Royce and the other running backs behind him?

A ton. You have to have that element in our offense. That gap has to exist, the defense has to account for that. And if it’s one false step that becomes an arm tackle for Royce and as we saw last night (Tony Brooks-James, Taj Griffin and Kani Benoit) are all getting better and that element has to be there.

What was clicking for the running backs last night? 

For the most part, hitting things in the right spot. The offensive line played well, still not perfect, but better and with more confidence. Just need to stay on that trend.

Is there a position group that has gone under the radar but had a big impact during this three-game win streak? 

Up until last night I would’ve said special teams. The two blocks were just so easy to fix, that’s what makes it that much more frustrating. But our return game is really good, our punt team had been excellent, our coverage units and I think everybody else at times has flashed. But everybody’s kind of taking their turn.

Can you describe what a week of preparation is like for Charles Nelson? 

In general he’s a defensive player. 90-plus percent of the time, he’s a defensive player and a special teams player and then we’ll pull him over for a few reps of one-on-one, seven-on-seven as an offensive player. He just tries to hook up with Coach Lubick when he can. Charles is a very smart player and can learn stuff very quickly.

Follow Justin Wise on Twitter @JustinFWise