Injuries, competition, and more: Where Louisville football QB’s stand
Jawon Pass
Status: Day-to-day
Stats: 7 quarters played, 24/ 46 (52%), 330 yards, 4 TDs, 1 INT
104 yards rushing (20 attempts), 2 rushing TD, 3 fumbles lost
Jawon Pass began the year in good form during a surprise showing against playoff contender Notre Dame.
The Irish’s gameplan did not account for Pass being a threat in the ground game, and he made them pay, rushing for two touchdowns in the fourth quarter.
While Eastern Kentucky was more keen on stopping Pass’s rushing attack, he was much improved through the air against the Colonels, accounting for four touchdown passes while completing over 60 percent.
However, just as Pass was beginning to round into form a bit more, he suffered what appears to be a minor foot injury, and was forced to miss Louisville’s third game of the season against Western Kentucky.
Satterfield on Jawon: he is a lot better today, we will take it day by day. I assume he won’t practice tomorrow... but we’ll see. I anticipate him being able to practice this week. Malik and Evan will get all the reps Tuesday and we’ll see from there.
— Mark Blankenbaker (@UofLSheriff50) September 16, 2019
It appears that Pass’s health is going to be a question mark and a huge storyline leading up to the Florida State game.
Strengths: Pass’s biggest strength to date seems to be his experience and poise in the pocket. It takes a bit to get acclimated to the college game, and now in his fourth season Pass is finally beginning to really look calm behind center.
Regardless of Pass’s execution, his decision-making is where you want it to be. He goes through his progressions, has a good feel for play development, and knows when to take off and run with the ball.
Speaking of running, Pass may be the best running option at quarterback. He is certainly nowhere near as dynamic as Cunningham, but he makes great decisions when deciding when to run. Many will question Pass’s speed and athleticism compared to Cunningham’s, but in the same amount of attempts this season (20), Pass only has 15 less rushing yards.
Weaknesses: The biggest concern at this point for Pass is his accuracy and timing with receivers. Louisville has two dynamic receivers in Seth Dawkins and Dez Fitzpatrick who are being held back by lack of touches.
Louisville has to get the ball in the hands of other play-makers out wide aside from Tutu Atwell. Otherwise, this season could potentially fail to meet expectations.
Pass has also shown a tendency to turn the ball over. He had more interceptions than touchdowns in 2018 and has coughed up three fumbles and an interception this year. In a ball-control offense that doesn’t get many possessions, Pass has to value the ball more.