Takeaways from Washington's Fourth Fall Practice

Michael Penix didn't practice, but the Huskies still put together an impressive day.

Potential Heisman Trophy candidate Michael Penix Jr. was held out of Sunday's practice, but afterward, Kalen DeBoer said there was no need to panic. 

"He threw the heck out of it the first three practices... it just seemed like a really good time [to give him a rest]," the Husky coach said. "I think the timing of it allowed us to really take advantage of getting Austin Mack some reps because we've never really seen him in a team setting and we have to figure out who our No. 3 [quarterback] is."

Mack took full advantage of the massive increase in reps and had an impressive day on Sunday. He made a great back shoulder throw to Giles Jackson during the early team period of practice and seemed to get better with every drive he was on the field.

There were multiple plays that reminded the 17-year-old that he still has a lot of growing to do though. Early on in practice, Makell Esteen jumped in front of one of Mack's passes and pulled in an interception, the second pick Mack has thrown in as many days. He also sat in the pocket for quite a while and was touched down for multiple sacks.

Early morning on the blocking sled pic.twitter.com/SHgRTxDiqu

— Roman Tomashoff (@rtomashoff34) August 6, 2023

With scouts from at least five different NFL teams in attendance, Washington's defense put on a show. The very first play of the early team period saw Bralen Trice blow by right tackle Roger Rosengarten and nearly take Dylan Morris' first throw of the day back for a touchdown, but he couldn't quite secure the interception and settled for a deflection instead. 

Cornerback Thaddeus Dixon also nearly recorded an interception on Morris, jumping in front of a pass intended for Rome Odunze, but he got only one hand on the ball and wasn't able to pull it in. Odunze gained his revenge on the defense later on though, going over the top of cornerback Davon Banks to pull in a 40-yard gain from Morris.

Screen work pic.twitter.com/x3M2iS9u0Q

— Roman Tomashoff (@rtomashoff34) August 6, 2023

Inside the Notebook

• The pass rush generated a ton of pressure on Sunday. Defensive tackle Jayvon Parker and linebacker Drew Fowler both recorded two sacks, edge rusher Voi Tunuufi got credit for one, and edge rusher Maurice Heims along with linebacker Deven Bryant also combined for a sack.
• Washington's coaching staff experimented with some interesting personnel groupings on Sunday, including a defensive line of all edge rushers, lining up Bralen Trice, Zach Durfee, Voi Tunuufi and Zion Tupuola-Fetui along the defensive front.
• The summer of Denzel Boston continued, as he made an impressive back shoulder grab on Sunday and kept both of his feet inbounds for what looked like a 25-yard gain.
• The offense scored only one touchdown on the day and it came on another long throw. Dylan Morris connected with Jalen McMillan for a 55-yard score.

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