It was an up-and-down week for Pro Cougs in the NFL as several Cougs found themselves battling inconsistency, tough matchups and shifting roles within their teams. Some showed flashes of potential, while others struggled to make an impact. Here is how each Coug performed this week.
Kyle Williams (Patriots) – After scoring a 74-yard touchdown, Williams’ uprising was expected, but it seems like the big play did nothing for him. Williams had no catches in the win against the Jets, even though he played 67% of the team’s offensive snaps. Fans on X have expressed their distaste for the misutilization of Williams, mentioning they need to use him as a deep threat, similar to Jameson Williams on the Lions. The Patriots have a bunch of back-up level receivers aside from Stefon Diggs. To reach their full potential, they need to find a role for Williams consistently.
Kyle Williams falls in disbelief after Josh Kelly makes a one-handed catch for a TD, Sept. 23, in Pullman, Wash.
Daiyan Henley (Chargers) – The Chargers got dominated by the Jaguars 35-6. The defense struggled to stop anything they were doing. Henley had four solo tackles and one assisted, receiving a 30.0 PFF grade, one of the lowest on the Chargers. In the two games after Halloween since Henley’s brother passed, he has been on a tear. This is the first game since he has not looked good. Henley had big expectations coming into 2025, but has not fully met them. After receiving a vouch from All-Pro Derwin James, big things were expected.
WSU linebacker Daiyan Henley celebrates after making a play during an NCAA football game against Colorado State, Sep. 17.
Cam Ward (Titans) – Against the No.1 scoring defense in the NFL, Ward was tasked with a challenge. Ward threw for 194 yards on 24/37 passing and one touchdown. Ward added 33 rushing yards, leading the Titans in rushing. Ward led a 95-yard drive to tie the game, but inevitably lost 16-13 after his defense could not get a stop in the end. Ward lost his starting wide-out Calvin Ridley, for the year with a spine injury. Ward plays the No.1 defense in the league this week in the Seattle Seahawks.
WSU quarterback Cameron Ward runs out of the pocket during the Apple Cup, Nov. 26.
Jaden Hicks and Jaylen Watson (Chiefs) – Hicks once again barely played, only seeing the field on 13 defensive snaps. Hicks started the season as the starter, but has had a down year. He has not had a signature game this far. Watson, meanwhile, is playing the full defensive snaps, but has not played well. Watson was burned by Troy Franklin on second down with 54 seconds left. The entire Chiefs defense struggled with limiting possessions for the Broncos in the second half. Sitting at 5-5, the Chiefs are on the outskirts of the playoffs at the moment.
Brigham Young University Masen Wake (13) hurdles Washington State University defensive back Jaylen Watson (0) during the second half of a college football game at Martin Stadium, Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021, in Pullman, Wash.
Jalen Thompson (Cardinals) – Last week, Thompson and the Cardinals secondary faced JSN and the Seahawks, giving up 44 points. This week, they gave up 41 to Brock Purdy. Thompson was third in tackles on the team with three assisted tackles and two solo. Thompson has been the better safety out of the duo of him and Buddah Baker, who has vastly regressed. While the Cardinals will not be doing anything else this season, it has been a good chance for Thompson to show some fight.
Then-sophomore safety Jalen Thompson heads onto the field before kickoff during a game against Oregon State University on Sept. 16, 2017.
Abraham Lucas (Seahawks) – It is hard to gauge how well Lucas performed with Sam Darnold throwing four picks and running into pressure. For much of the game, Lucas was lined up against star sophomore Jared Verse.
“That’s my quarterback…I’m going to fight for him,” Lucas said on X.
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 (Commanders) – Dan Quinn took over play-calling duties from coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. and the defense instantly got better. Luvu had five assisted tackles and tracked down Jaylen Waddle multiple times, preventing touchdowns. Luvu’s play this season has regressed after making an All-Pro team. It may be time to visit alternative homes from the Commanders.
Senior linebacker Frankie Luvu drags at Cal offense during the game on Saturday.
Chau Smith-Wade (Panthers) – Smith-Wade had a quiet outing against the Panthers, finishing with three total tackles while playing limited snaps in the Panthers’ secondary. Last time he played the Falcons, he had a pick-six on Michael Penix Jr.
WSU defensive back Chau Smith-Wade lines up during practice, Aug. 17, at GESA Field.
This week was mixed for the Cougs with some potential flashes and a lot of corrections to be made. Cam Ward and Frankie Luvu have had the most challenging season with how high expectations were for them. Overall, it was a challenging week, but each player still has a path to rebound as the season progresses.
