Week 1 Pack Pulse Check: Things To Build On In The Bye Week

The Washington Wolfpack opened Week 1 at home against the Oregon Lightning and lost 33-16. The offense had a really slow start, but the defense kept the pressure on the entire game. The Wolfpack are on a bye week for Week 2 before they’ll hit the road to Nashville to take on the Kats in Week 3. 

Game Recap and Positives

While it wasn’t the result the head coach, JR Wells, and the Pack were looking for, there were multiple positives to take away. On offense, Aakiel Greer went up and grabbed a pass right over a defender for a big 40-yard gain. Greer would finish the day with four catches for 62 yards. 

The defense, as mentioned above, also did a phenomenal job. They sacked Oregon quarterback Dalton Cole multiple times, plus forced multiple fumbles, one of which was returned for a touchdown. They also intercepted Cole multiple times, running one back for a touchdown. The defense showed strength and had multiple short-and-goal situations where they stopped the Lightning. 

The kicking game also had some positives, as Evan Byrd showed his ability to make field goals and flip field position on field goal attempts. Byrd has plenty of indoor experience and will continue to help this team. 

“I have all the love and trust in him and his powerful leg,” Coach Wells said of Byrd. “Having the defense that we have, I’m okay attempting the field goal with the possibility of them starting at the 20. I know we’ll be able to get the ball back.”

Overall, head coach JR Wells was happy with the team, despite knowing some changes are needed. 

“These are a great group of guys,” Coach Wells said. “They love one another and have a great bond. I know the score didn’t justify it, but this is going to be a special year for us. This is a special group of players.”