D-Line Turns In ‘Amazing’ Performance
September 18, 2016 | Football, General
By Mason Kelley
GoHuskies.com
Watch a game from the press box and there is a running total of everything that happens on the field. From statistics to instant replay, there is an analytical element that is aided by watching the game unfold above the action.
But, on the field, through the lens of a camera, the view is different.
Those statistics aren't quite so easily accessed. A field-level view does, however, provide the opportunity to get an up-close look at life in the trenches, and for Washington's defensive line life is pretty good right now.
"They've got a lot of confidence and they've got a lot of experience – and they're big and athletic," defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski said after the Huskies' 41-3 win over Portland State at Husky Stadium. "Put all that together and they've been everything we can ask and more."
With each snap of the football and every click of the camera when Washington was on defense, the defensive line stood out as a focal point.
There was Greg Gaines taking on double teams to clear a path for linebackers and still finding a way to lead the team in tackles (seven).
"He takes pride in lining head-up on the center and just two-gap and mash, playing old-school football," Kwiatkowski said.
Then there was Elijah Qualls, who used his smarts and athleticism to work his way into the Portland State backfield throughout the evening with two of his three tackles – he finished with one sack – dropping the Vikings for a loss.
"He brings a little bit different flavor to it," said Kwiatkowski, talking about Qualls.
And then there was Vita Vea. A massive man in the middle of the defense, he tallied six tackles, one for loss.
When asked about the defensive tackle, linebacker Keishawn Bierria said there was one play where Vea flung a blocker to the ground before hitting the ball carrier. When the two met, well, the running back quickly dropped to the turf.
"That was amazing," Bierria said.
Kwiatkowski agreed, "When that guy's on, he's unstoppable."
Add in outside linebackers Joe Mathis (Five tackles an a sack) and Psalm Wooching (three tackles and a sack) and the Huskies' defensive front made plays throughout Saturday's win.
"The D-line, they're like our unsung heroes right now," said Bierria, who had six tackles and recovered a fumble. "They're making everything easier for the linebackers, the DBs. As far as the run game, they're always taking two defenders, so it's easy for the linebackers to flow. Everything is really clear.
"They're carrying the load for us, doing their job, making sure everyone behind them runs free."
An unselfish group, Gaines credits the early season success to the Huskies' ability to play off the strengths of their teammates.
"We have a good connection together as a unit," Gaines said. "We all work together really well. We all compliment each other."
However, while the start is nice, there is still work to be done. Kwiatkowski said the Huskies are now working to makes sure the program's defensive line continues to "build skill," while also doing a better job of understanding various situations that arise during the game. They are working to better "process tendencies" as they continue to make sure they are physically and mentally sharp.
"We just need to keep getting better," Gaines said. "Every day we come out and grind in practice. Every day is a new day and we treat it like it's our last day.
"There's definitely room to improve, all across the board. Everyone's got to get better."
But, so far so good, and there are pictures to prove it.
