Last week, Cougars in the NFL definitely showed up. This week was more of the same, as Gardner Minshew made his season debut with the Chiefs, Cam Ward made headlines for his postgame press conference and Abraham Lucas stood out as the best Cougar in the NFL over the weekend.

In a blowout win against the Chiefs, rookie safety Jaden Hicks was all over the field with four tackles and constant presence around the ball. Hicks started the season slowly but has quickly improved in both tackling and coverage, allowing eight catches on 10 targets this year. Cornerback Jaylen Watson has been stellar for Kansas City, stressing the importance of generating turnovers before the game. The Chiefs intercepted Lamar Jackson once, with Watson earning a Pro Football Focus grade of 74.9 and Hicks graded at 57.9.

“I mean, that is a big emphasis, to try to get Pat the ball back,” Watson said. “So, try anyway we can to create turnovers, whether that’s getting interceptions or getting fumbles, fumble recoveries, turnover on downs.”

Seattle tackle Abraham Lucas anchored the Seahawks’ offensive line in a 155-yard rushing performance, earning praise throughout the broadcast from Al Michaels and Kirk Herbstreit. Lucas’s outside-zone blocking and lead work for Kenneth Walker fueled the ground game. A surprise development considering his pass-heavy role at WSU., Lucas received a 67.4 PFF grade.

Tennessee quarterback Cam Ward struggled in a 26-0 loss to the Texans, completing 10 of 26 passes for 108 yards with one interception. After the game, Ward made headlines for his blunt comments. PFF gave him a 52.8 grade.

“If we’re keeping it a buck right now, we ass. We are 0-4,” Ward said. “At this point, we had nothing to lose. We dropped a quarter of our f***ing games and we have yet to do anything. We have to lock in, especially myself. From the offensive line to the defensive line to the special teams to all three phases, we have to play together.”

Rookie receiver Kyle Williams did not register a catch or target in the Patriots win over the Panthers, as lack of snaps continues to limit his role. Both Williams and head coach Mike Vrabel expressed patience with his development.

“The ones we have thrown to him, he has caught, just keep building a role for him, get everybody some opportunities, and let the quarterback throw to the guy that is open,” Vrabel said.

Williams echoed that mentality.

“You know, we have a lot of guys ahead of me that are capable of doing everything just as well, and they all have great traits to their game that benefit this offense,” Williams said. “ We have a lot of vets in front of me and I am just a rook. Right now, I am just waiting for my turn.”

Chargers linebacker Daiyan Henley faced a tough assignment against rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart, who had little NFL tape and ran effectively against the defense. Despite that, Henley still led Los Angeles with eight tackles and one assisted tackle. He earned a 65 PFF grade.

Washington linebacker Frankie Luvu looked like his Pro Bowl self again in a loss to the Falcons. Luvu finished with eight tackles, three assists and one sack, though the Commanders struggled without quarterback Jayden Daniels. Luvu earned a 68.2 PFF grade.

Carolina cornerback Chau Smith-Wade had a quiet week four in a 42-13 loss to the Patriots. He was not targeted in coverage, keeping his stat sheet clean, and received a 65.3 PFF grade.

Chiefs quarterback Gardner Minshew saw limited action in a 37-20 win over the Ravens. He did not attempt a pass and rushed twice for minus-3 yards. With limited snaps this season, he has yet to receive a PFF grade.

Cougars shined this week. While there is still room for improvement, WSU products continue to make their presence felt across the NFL.