It was a good week for Pro Cougs in the NFL, Cam Ward had one of his best NFL games of his young career. Jaden Hicks made his impact known in his short amount of play-time and Jaylen Watson looked like a top slot corner in the NFL. Here’s a breakdown of all the Cougs:
Cam Ward –For the first time all season Ward learned how to control his turnovers, ironically against the best defense in the NFL. Against the Seahawks Ward played very well, using his legs to create downfield opportunities which the Seahawk defense fell for.
Although he did nothing to make game-changing plays he was able to limit his turnovers and not force the ball or try to do too much. On a losing team when you try to do too much you often create scenarios that could have been easily avoided.
Ward finished with 256 passing yards and one touchdown. He added 37 rushing yards and one touchdown. With nothing to play for aside from a top pick the Titans are looking to be competitive in games and lose, when you lose in blowout fashion it can make players not attracted to your franchise.
COLE QUINN
WSU quarterback Cameron Ward looks downfield during the 2022 Jimmy Kimmel LA Bowl, Dec. 17, in Los Angeles.
Abraham Lucas –Against a good front seven in the Titans, Lucas held his own and did not allow any significant pressure. While Lucas may not have messed up he did not have as dominant a game as you would have expected out of one of the league’s top right-tackles. PFF graded Lucas a 73.6.
This week was “my cause-my cleats” in the NFL and Lucas supportedHilinski’s Hope.
COLE QUINN
Washington State University linemen Abraham Lucas (72) and Cade Beresford (75) prepare for the snap during a college football game at Martin Stadium, Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021, in Pullman, Wash.
Jaylen Watson and Jaden Hicks –For the first time in a while Hicks had more tackles than Watson. Hicks finished with two solo tackles to Watson’s one. Hicks still did not get many snaps on defense but he was able to shine in his limited snap count. As soon as Hicks was in the game the middle of the Chiefs defense spontaneously was not as easy to attack. Watson had his best game from a pass coverage perspective in a few months. With the game on the line Watson had a pass breakup to give the Chiefs offense the ball back with under two minutes to go.
COLE QUINN
Washington State University defensive back Jaylen Watson (0) trips University of Southern California quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) during the first half of a college football game, Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021, in Pullman, WA.
Chau Smith-Wade – The slot corner played well in his snaps on Monday night. Smith-Wade had the third most tackles with three solo tackles and one assisted tackle. While the Panthers defense forced three interceptions, one was due to Smith-Wade’s coverage on his receiver. He was also rated a 70.8 by PFF, a top five posting for the Panthers defense. Smith-Wade’s best play came from a tackle-for-loss on second down to force the 49ers into a tough third and long.
HAILEE SPEIR
WSU defensive back Chau Smith-Wade runs downfield after intercepting a pas during an NCAA football game against Arizona State, Nov. 12.
Jalen Thompson –The safety had his best game of the season stuffing the statsheet heavily. Six solo tackles, three assisted tackles, one sack and one forced fumble. Thompson was all over the field and while the Cardinals lost, he personally won today with his elite performance. While the Cardinals have been a sneaky good defensive team, Thompson is one of the biggest reasons for that.
OLIVER MCKENNA | DAILY EVERGREEN FILE
Junior safety Jalen Thompson, No. 34, celebrates with his teammates after catching an interception during the 2018 Alamo Bowl game against Iowa State on Friday night in San Antonio.
Kyle Williams –Two weeks ago Williams housed a 70-yard touchdown and then had zero catches the next week. This week he had one catch for 18 yards. Drake Maye only targeted Williams once but the rookie showed he is a viable option for the Patriots. Williams also returned punts for the Patriots, he had an explosive 37-yard return. Playing special teams is another way for him to show Mike Vrabel and the Patriots offensive coaches they can trust him.
BRANDON WILLMAN
Kyle Williams and Lincoln Victor celebrate after a TD on the second play from scrimmage for WSU, Sept. 23, in Pullman, Wash.
Overall, it was one of the strongest collective weeks of the season for Pro Cougs, with multiple players delivering impact performances on both sides of the ball. Ward and Smith-Wade represented WSU well in this weekend’s games. Cougs continued to prove they can contribute at a high level across the NFL.