Emerald City Swagger
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Washington Football: 3 Takeaways from opening day loss

By Matt Barry

ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 01: Jake Browning #3 of the Washington Huskies reacts after turning the ball over on their final possessoin against the Auburn Tigers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 01: Jake Browning #3 of the Washington Huskies reacts after turning the ball over on their final possessoin against the Auburn Tigers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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Washington Football
ATLANTA, GA: Jake Browning #3 of the Washington Huskies rushes away from Darrell Williams #49 and Andrew Williams #79 of the Auburn Tigers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 1, 2018, in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

3. Jarrett Stidham and Jake Browning are Potential Franchise NFL Quarterbacks

Both quarterbacks showed plenty of poise and high football intelligence in a big game environment. Stidham was terrific early, completing 12 of 16 passes for159 yards and a touchdown on a tremendous back corner throw to Sal Cannella on the opening possession.

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He also showed good athleticism and an ability to move within the pocket, as well as making plays with his feet. Stidham ran the read option well and had the Huskies reeling. His throws have good velocity and he showed a nice touch on many. He did have trouble when Huskies Defensive Coordinator Jimmy Lake began sending three and dropping eight. Washington was able to stay in the game with this adjustment. If the Stidham enters the draft, he should be a first-round pick.

Jake Browning showed why he will end his career as the all-time leader in passing yards and touchdowns in school history. He has been under the radar with NFL scouts but has a chance to climb into the top two rounds with a good season. He certainly has the weapons on offense to put up even more numbers.

The Huskies signal caller showed great poise in an electric atmosphere against a very quick and athletic Auburn defense. He also has good mobility and made some great deep throws. Browning did make a terrible throw on the run in the first quarter and had a late option toss deflected for a fumble. Those two turnovers were costly.

Ultimately, the pressure from the Auburn rush was too much. He did show that he can take a hit, especially on a controversial helmet to helmet no-call during the last drive. Browning should benefit when his left tackle returns. By all accounts, the Washington QB can make all the throws and has a good pocket presence. He does throw a perfect quick slant.

Both quarterbacks have a bright future and should be playing on Sundays sooner than later.

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