Palouse products had an up-and-down week across the league. Abraham Lucas had the best game out of any Cougars in the NFL. Cam Ward and the Titans finally got their first win of the season. After Ward’s remarks about the team last week, it seemed to give a sense of urgency to the team. 

“We are ass right now,” Ward said.

The Titans beat the Cardinals in a game that took a fourth-quarter comeback after initially being down 21-6 late in the game. Ward threw for 265 yards (193 in the fourth quarter) with a 53% completion rate. Wide receiver one for the Titans, Calvin Ridley showed up for the first time this season for Ward, raking in five catches for 131 yards. PFF gave Ward a grade of 56.7. 

Post-game, Ward talked about how he felt he played and what he needs to do to continue the success he had in this game. 

“I just have to be consistent at it, and in the second half, I got better and have to continue that. It was not them changing anything more, so I understood what they were doing,” Ward said. 

Jaden Hicks and Jaylen Watson were on the losing end last Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Chiefs were up against a talented receiving duo in Travis Hunter and Brian Thomas Jr., who were, for the most part, held in check, only racking in seven catches for 144 yards combined. 

Watson had the third most tackles on the team with four and one sack; however, he did struggle down the stretch, giving up key passes to the Jaguars. Hicks had one tackle himself and two assisted tackles. Watson was given a 74.9 grade, which ranks top 20 for cornerbacks; Hicks was given a 57.9.

It is important to note that in the Chiefs’ defensive scheme, safeties are not going to get the most tackles or be involved in every play. They are more responsible for not giving up deep passes and wrapping up players that hit the second and third level. Hicks’ impact is similar to a point guard in basketball; he sets up plays for everyone else to be able to make the eye-catching plays. 

Abraham Lucas balled out for the Seahawks in their week five loss to the Buccaneers. Lucas had his hands full with the Bucs’ good defensive line, which has 10 sacks and 33 tackles for losses this season. PFF gave Lucas a grade of 81.3, the best he has received this season.

Frankie Luvu had two assists and two tackles in the dominant win against the Chargers. Luvu gained criticism online from Commander fans complaining that he has not quite looked like his 2024 Pro-Bowl self. PFF gave Luvu a grade of 58.8. 

Daiyan Henley was on the losing end as well with the entire Chargers team having an off game. Henley totaled two solo tackles and six assisted tackles. Henley had one missed tackle, and seven passes were complete either to his man or zone. The Commanders were able to run for 163 yards and threw for nearly 400 yards. PFF gave Henley a 44.9 grade. 

Afterwards, Henley had some things to say about the game, effort and goals the Chargers have. 

“Details. We’ve got to be detailed; the only thing that matters right now is getting back in the win column. We want to be a team that’s competing in February, we have to talk about that and be about that right now. Just getting back in the win column is all it’s about and being detailed,” Henley said. 

There were some Cougars not listed, such as Kyle Williams, who only played 10 snaps and did not register a catch or target, but had some key blocks, and Chau Smith-Wade was inactive due to chest pain.