Next-day afterthoughts on Washington football’s win over Cal

Sep 25, 2021; Seattle, Washington, USA; Washington Huskies tight end Devin Culp (83) reacts after making a reception for a first down against the California Golden Bears during the first half at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2021; Seattle, Washington, USA; Washington Huskies tight end Devin Culp (83) reacts after making a reception for a first down against the California Golden Bears during the first half at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-USA TODAY Sports
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Washington football TE Devin Culp
Washington Huskies tight end Devin Culp. Credit: Stephen Brashear-USA TODAY Sports

Washington football is now 2-2 on the season after beating the California Golden Bears in Week 4.

This Washington football program feels drastically different from those in the past and that’s not a good thing. They may have several key playmakers who give this team a chance in corners like Trent McDuffie and Kyler Gordon, but unless the run defense and the offense step up, it’s going to be a long season for Husky fans.

Huskies have to improve their passing game

The Huskies offense has developed a habit of giving fans hope and then quickly snatching it away.

Coach Jimmy Lake was so set on focusing on the run as the season started. It seemed like a good idea then considering the running back room that they have and the fact that Washington’s top receivers were injured.

With receivers Jalen McMillan and Rome Odunze now back in action, the Huskies offense seems to do best when they balance the run and pass and target their receivers 15-plus yards downfield.

The UW’s offense is still nowhere near where it should be. They struggle in the beginning, then find their rhythm, and then seem to lose it again.

That is in part of offensive coordinator John Donovan and his sluggish passing game.

Donovan is not the right play-calling fit for this offense and Jimmy Lake refuses to hear that.

A Husky fan pointed out on Twitter that in six out of the eight games under Lake and Donovan, the Huskies have failed to score a touchdown in one half of each of those six games.

The Washington football program may have evened their record to 2-2 on the season but they’re not going to get any better than .500  if they continue to let Donovan devastate this offense.