Week 14 is in the books for the Palouse products and it was a doozy, with inconsistent play across the board. Cam Ward turned the ball over, again, Jaden Hicks was in the dog house once again and Esa Pole had an opportunity to show his level of play and he took full advantage of it. Here is how the Cougs did last week.
Abraham Lucas (Seahawks) – Against the Falcons Lucas started off terribly. On the first series of the game Charles Cross and Lucas both got beat on the outside and gave up a sack. However, Lucas finished with a 67.6 PFF grade. The Falcons have young talent on their D-line but are not dominant. Lucas has been solid for the most part for the Seahawks but he will need to do it against elite rushers, which he has struggled against this season.
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.
Jaden Hicks and Jaylen Watson (Chiefs) – It was a quiet game for Watson, finishing with two tackles and no receptions allowed on two targets. When a corner has a bunch of tackles it is not a good sign. Watson having low tackle numbers showcases that he was playing well in coverage not allowing 100+ like he did last week. Hicks however only played 11 snaps and did not do anything in the game. Steve Spagnoula has given him the 2021 Juan Thornhill treatment, meaning even though he is talented he is not playing him with no reason being released. Mike Edwards, who is Hicks’ backup, played 37 snaps.
Jaden Hicks eyes Stanford’s Ashton Daniels looking to make a play, Nov. 4, in Pullman, Wash.
Esa Pole (Chiefs) – On the first play of the game the Chiefs’ left tackle went down, meaning next man up. Esa Pole most likely came into the game assuming he would leave with a clean jersey, but he found himself playing a vital position 15 seconds into the game. The Texans have one of the best defensive lines and Pole had his work cut out for himself. In 42 pass blocking snaps he only gave up three pressures and zero sacks.
“Kinda happened in the blink of an eye, like I told the staff and coaches they kept me ready and told me I am one play away and funny enough I was,” Pole said.
WSU offensive lineman Esa Pole blocks a defensive player during the WSU football spring game, Saturday, April 22, 2023, in Pullman, Wash.
Frankie Luvu (Commanders) – The Commanders got spanked by the Vikings 31-0, letting Nine (JJ McCarthy’s alter ego) beat you while not utilizing Justin Jefferson is insane. Luvu finished with three tackles and one pass deflection. He was targeted two times and gave up both for 11 yards. The Commanders’ linebacker issues are not because of Luvu completely, Bobby Wagner may lead the league in tackles but he is atrocious in the pass game and cannot guard anybody with an ounce of mobility. Changes to the Commanders’ defense will be coming but hopefully they will find a way to make 2024 Luvu come back to fruition.
Senior linebacker Frankie Luvu drags at Cal offense during the game on Saturday.
Daiyan Henley (Chargers) – Henley had a bounce back performance and was active in the win against the Eagles. Finishing with seven tackles, one QB hit and one pass deflection. Jalen Hurts targeted Henley three times in the passing game and connected two times for 37 yards. Henley has had a frustrating season. He started off hot then hit a regression, when his brother passed he was dominant for two weeks and sparked out. Henley is hopeful to finish out the year with a good showing and potentially being a Pro Bowl alternative.
WSU recognizes senior linebacker Daiyan Henley before the Apple Cup, Nov. 26.
Jalen Thompson (Cardinals) – Thompson finished against the Rams with seven total tackles and zero receptions allowed. While the Cardinals have been getting whooped by the NFC West heavily, Thompson has been one of the most consistent players for them. So far this season, Thompson has at least five tackles in 10 of the 13 games he has played and had 81 tackles total on the season.
Then-sophomore safety Jalen Thompson heads onto the field before kickoff during a game against Oregon State University on Sept. 16, 2017.
Cam Ward (Titans) – Against one of the top defense and defensive players (Myles Garret) Ward had his hands full. Ward had an alright game with 117 passing yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Ward did not use his legs with just two rushes for four yards, since he for some reason does not want to use his legs every game and picks and chooses. Forcing throws is what is plaguing Ward this season. When he played the Seahawks he took what the defense gave him and used his legs for yards and conversions.
Cam Ward before an NCAA football game against the Oregon Ducks, Oct. 21, in Eugene, Oregon.
Overall, it was not a good week for the Pro Cougs but there were glimpses of potential. Pole was the best Coug this week and may see an increase in play time due to injuries and his level of play. Henley and Thompson had good weeks, while Luvu and Ward needed to go back to the drawing board to make their play better.
