Six weeks into the NFL season, WSU products are still making plays. Across the board, the Cougars performed well compared to last week. Cam Ward’s rookie season could be on the up and up as head coach Brian Callahan was relieved of his duties Oct. 13. Abraham Lucas is making the three-year $46 million contract he signed this season look like a steal for the Seahawks.
Cam Ward
The Titans faced off against the Raiders. Ward threw for 222 yards, one touchdown, one interception, and one fumble. Ward was spreading the wealth, hitting 10 different players on passes. Six games into the season, there has been some criticism of Ward and his play, but with Callahan being fired, Ward and the offense may be able to find their groove. It is noteworthy to point out that after the loss to the Raiders, Callahan was critical of Ward and the offense.
“To not be able to perform well on offense and not be able to score any points and then lose the game is disappointing, and we all gotta be better. Cam’s a part of that too. Cam’s gotta play better football as well,” Callahan said.
Cam Ward looks up to the “Ducks Vision” board during media timeout, Oct. 21, in Eugene, Oregon.
Daiyan Henley
Henley, coming off a mediocre outing, had his hands full with the elite weapons of the Miami Dolphins. Henley had three solo tackles and four assisted tackles. Pro Bowl running back Devon Achane was a big issue for the Chargers defense. A notable play occurred when the Dolphins ran a screen pass to Achane, who had plenty of field in front. However, Henley shed his blocker and stopped Achane before the play could develop.
WSU linebacker Daiyan Henley celebrates after making a play during an NCAA football game against Colorado State, Sep. 17.
Jaden Hicks and Jalyen Watson
The Cougar tandem in the Chiefs’ secondary, of Hicks and Watson, were tested against the Lions. Watson drew the short end of the stick as the Lions were motioning his assignment, Lions often motion players to see what coverage defenses are playing. Watson had three tackles. Hicks did not see his usual amount of playtime as Chiefs defensive coordinator Chamarri Conner played more snaps. Hicks did not register a tackle or any notable statistics.
Jaden Hicks eyes Stanford’s Ashton Daniels looking to make a play, Nov. 4, in Pullman, Wash.
Abraham Lucas
Once again Lucas proved to be a top-10 right tackle in the NFL. Lucas’s run block grade was 65.1, and his pass block grade was 69.4, both out of 100. Seattle is still working on getting a consistent run game, but its pass protection has greatly improved, giving up just one sack to the Jaguars on an all-out blitz.
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.
Frankie Luvu
Luvu had been plateauing before playing the Bears. When Dan Quinn was calling the defensive plays, Luvu was utilized as a versatile, disruptive blitzer who attacked the offense from a variety of positions. His aggressive, downhill style led to a highly productive season with 99 total tackles, eight sacks and an interception. Now that Joe Whitt is the defensive playcaller, he has Luvu playing more within a system instead of off instinct and blitz packages. Against the Bears, Luvu had four solo tackles, two assisted and one sack. Luvu was finally able to free blitz, something that Whitt has not allowed as of late. Though the Commanders lost, Luvu showed flashes of his 2024 All-Pro season.
WSU senior linebacker Frankie Luvu eyes the oncoming Stanford defenders during Saturday’s game. The Cougars won 24-21.
Chau Smith-Wade
He missed last week with an injury, but he was back this week. Smith-Wade had three tackles and played 62% of defensive snaps. Dallas threw the ball all over the field against the Panthers, but Smith-Wade held his own.
Chau Smith-Wade defends against a Wisconsin receiver against the then-No.19 Badgers. Sept. 9.
Jalen Thompson
Thompson who is in his seventh year with the Arizona Cardinals, had three solo tackles and three combined tackles. For the season, Thompson has 31 tackles, ranking second out of all 134 eligible safeties. He has only allowed 14 receptions, ranking him 14th out of 134 eligible safeties.
Then-sophomore safety Jalen Thompson heads onto the field before kickoff during a game against Oregon State University on Sept. 16, 2017.
Kyle Williams
Williams finally got into the game for the first time in a couple of weeks. He did not register a reception, but he was open a couple of times. Williams has had an uphill battle all season with how much depth the Patriots have at the wide receiver position. Head coach Mike Vrabel has previously acknowledged the talent Williams has and his ability to get open but not receive targets.
“He’s been open. There’s been a separation. The ball hasn’t found Williams as much in practice, but that’s not because Williams isn’t getting open,” Vrabel said.
WSU receiver Kyle Williams stares down Colorado DB Travis Hunter in an NCAA football game at GESA Field, Nov. 17, in Pullman, Wash.
Some other Cougars who have not really played are Daniel Ekuale, who had one tackle in the win against the Cleveland Browns; Brennan Jackson, who was placed on injured reserve; Cam Lampkin, who is on the practice squad for the Los Angeles Rams; and Gardner Minshew, who, being the backup to Patrick Mahomes, does not get much playtime, if any. Esa Pole is on the Jets’ roster but has been a healthy scratch for most games. WSU has players all over the NFL and is showing they can produce high-level players.
