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Washington's Defense Needs to Contain Mobile QBs

Chuck Morrell said the Huskies have to do a better job of containing running quarterbacks
Roman Tomashoff|
Washington's Defense Needs to Contain Mobile QBs
Washington's Defense Needs to Contain Mobile QBs

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Boise State quarterback Taylen Green poses a threat to Washington's defense with both his arm and his legs. In 2022, the Huskies struggled against mobile quarterbacks like Dorian Thompson-Robinson and Bo Nix, and will undoubtedly have their hands full with them again this season.

"Our concern for running quarterbacks is at an all-time high," co-defensive coordinator Chuck Morrell said during his press conference on Monday. "That's the style of quarterback play that's at the forefront of the Pac-12 right now."

With Caleb Williams, Nix and others on the schedule, the Huskies have a chance to prove right away that they have improved against dual-threat quarterbacks with their matchup against Green and Boise State. The biggest addition from last season isn't a fresh body to the roster, but a fully healthy season from Edefuan Ulofoshio.

The senior linebacker is expected to be a huge part of Washington's defensive plans and Morrell had some high praise for one of the team's four captains. 

"The dynamic of the leadership and preparation, he prepares like a pro every day," Morrell said on Monday. "Its been fun to see him grow in the system and be able to utilize his athleticism... Right now, my trust in him is extreme, I think he's going to be out there, I think he's going to be a dominant player for us and I think he's going to make a lot of plays."

Schematically, Ulofoshio allows the Huskies the ability to deploy a quarterback spy against mobile quarterbacks. That could significantly change calls against read options and quarterback runs thanks to Ulofoshio's high-caliber athleticism and IQ.

When Washington takes the field against Boise State on Saturday, Ulofoshio will most likely be asked to shadow Green when he drops back to pass. If he can prove to be an effective answer to the mobile quarterback, Morrell's level of concern should be much lower.

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Roman Tomashoff
ROMAN TOMASHOFF

I've followed the Huskies for my entire life, and to be in a position where I get to cover them full-time is nothing short of an honor. After graduating from Lasell University in 2019, I moved to Seattle to pursue my dream of working in sports media. While writing for the Husky Haul, I also covered local sports for the Everett Daily Herald before the COVID-19 pandemic. After being hired by Realdawg.com in February of 2021, I also transitioned into doing a lot of entertainment writing, as I work on a variety of magazines as a contributing writer for Centennial Media, and have also contributed to Emmy Magazine, as well as Walt Disney Television Studios. 

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