SEATTLE -- Christian McCaffrey's offensive production doesn't look good on paper (12 carries for 49 yards; 5 catches for 30 yards), but I thought he played well in Washington's blowout win over Stanford.
There simply wasn't much room to operate for the talented junior. He had to fight for every yard. He caught one dump-off pass on fourth-and-10 and broke 2 tackles to pick up a first down. He also produced a couple decent kickoff returns. He didn't generate any explosive plays on offense, but I felt like he did all he could do. The Stanford offensive line just got manhandled all night long.
Here are four more observations from Friday's game:
- Washington's Budda Baker is an undersized safety (5-foot-10, 192 pounds), but I love the way he plays the game. He attacks the line of scrimmage with a vengeance. He's quick to key the run and he takes perfect angles in support. He also showed off some range down the field for a late-game pass breakup. He set the tone for the entire game when he made the tackle against McCaffrey on the opening kickoff. His best pro position is probably the nickel, but he has the versatility to move around in the secondary.
- DL Solomon Thomas was the only player on the Stanford defense who could disrupt the Washington offense. Despite being constantly double- and triple-teamed, he found a way to make plays against the run and generate pass-rush pressure. Unfortunately for Stanford, his teammates couldn't really help him out.
- WR John Ross was outstanding for the Huskies. He has elite speed, but I came away more impressed with his savvy as a route runner. He set up defenders and exploded out of the break point. He's more than just a deep threat. Stanford had no answer for him the entire game.
- CB Sidney Jones had a very impressive performance against the Stanford wide receivers. He was physical in press coverage and he has outstanding ball awareness down the field. He had a sweet interception that was called back for a roughing the passer penalty (he was also whistled for holding on the play but it was a questionable call). He showed his physicality and ball skills by breaking up Stanford's 2 point attempt. I wish he was a little thicker (he's listed at 6-0, 181) and I have some concern about his pure top speed, but Jones is a gifted cover cornerback.
Follow Daniel Jeremiah on Twitter @MoveTheSticks.
