The Husky Haul
Fansided

Washington football week two: A piece of positivity

By Brandon Connolly

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - SEPTEMBER 07: Chase Garbers #7 of the California Golden Bears and Jacob Eason #10 of the Washington Huskies hug after the California Golden Bears defeated the Washington Huskies 20-19 during their game at Husky Stadium on September 07, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - SEPTEMBER 07: Chase Garbers #7 of the California Golden Bears and Jacob Eason #10 of the Washington Huskies hug after the California Golden Bears defeated the Washington Huskies 20-19 during their game at Husky Stadium on September 07, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Washington football fans could use some positivity in their lives after the gut punch they took in week two, so here we go!

Washington football fans had huge questions about special teams, and they were answered in week two because…Peyton Henry can actually kick this year! There were reports of him being much improved coming out of fall camp, but many fans weren’t expecting the former walk-on to put up the numbers he did on Saturday. Henry went 4/4 on field goals with a long of 50 yards. His previous long was 41-yards. It was a pleasant surprise for him to show so much heart in being able to overcome the criticism and show out when it really mattered. Henry did everything he could to put us in a position to win the game, he deserves recognition for that.

Richard Newton shined once again. I’ve been high on Newton since he signed, and always thought that he was a gem that was overlooked by other schools. I enjoy watching his tough style of play where he faces the defense head-on and likes the contact. Newton had 9 carries for 42 yards against a pretty good defense. The stats don’t tell the whole story though, he was remarkably consistent between the tackles. Quite a few times he was hit in the backfield or his gap wasn’t there, and he improvised turning his carries into positive gains. He reminds me of Lavon Coleman, except I believe he’s faster and has a higher ceiling.

Keith Taylor is quietly locking down one of the corner spots. I haven’t seen Taylor make even one mistake during the first two games of the year. To me, Taylor is a hybrid between Sidney Jones and Kevin King, taking the best attributes of both standout corners. Taylor has yet to snag an interception this season, but that’s because he’s never targeted. He blankets whatever receiver lines up against him, and the opposing quarterbacks don’t even try to test him.

Tuli Letuligasenoa continues to wreck opposing offensive lines. The Huskies have recruited well along the defensive line over the past two years and it’s starting to show. It seems like every time the 6’2, 318-pound redshirt freshman steps on the field, he’s either running someone over or flushing the QB out of the pocket. With the absurd amount of youth and talent on the D-line, the future looks bright for the Husky pass rush.

Home/Football