Malik Washington's Struggles: Three Stats for the Maryland QB in Conference Play + What They Mean

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Maryland dropped their fourth straight game on Saturday losing to Ohio State 45-16 and extending their conference losing streak to ten. Another week where Maryland struggled to compete for a full 60 minutes as the score slowly got larger throughout the game. This game also extended the bad performances for Maryland quarterback Malik Washington as the sophomore finished with 64 passing yards while completing 48% of his passes. The regression in the passing game has continued to loom for the former prized possession of the 2025 recruiting class. In a stretch with a variety of negatives it has been Washington’s play that has been the most concerning. We look at three stats from the last three games and what they mean.

Maryland Has Zero Offensive Second Half Points Over Conference Play

The lack of a 60-minute effort has been a theme during Maryland’s four-game losing streak, and this is especially the case for the offense. The defense has worn down as games have progressed; however, it is the offense that has lacked to produce in the dire times of a game. The offense has been shut out in the second half of games during conference play. With Maryland playing from behind in the second half the Washington led offense has failed to get on the board and have looked dysfunctional throughout.

The offense has been lacking any legitimate threat to gain yardage and this stems from the quarterback position. The offense seemingly has the weapons with the emergence of Chris Durr and Na’eem Gladding producing in spots but nothing is clicking for Washington at the moment. The sophomore looks uncomfortable in the pocket, has missed throws, and seems rushed. Any confidence for Washington seems to have been sapped away, and the playcalling has not been doing him or the offense any favors. The scheme has been mostly conservative with minimal explosive plays or creativity. There may be a lack of trust in Washington at the current moment, but the constant plays behind the line of scrimmage or short of the sticks has been present in bunches. Maryland’s longest drive in the second half during conference play has been 39 yards with the longest time taken up being 3:34. Furthermore, Maryland has punted on 11 of 18 second half possessions over the last three weeks. Obviously if Maryland wants a chance to win any game for the rest of the year some points and yards will need to be achieved in the second half.

Washington Has 49.5% Completion Rate in Conference Play

Washington has lost all efficiency in completing passes to his receivers during conference play. Over the three game stretch Washington is completing less than half of his passes and has a TD/INT ratio of 1:6. The turnovers, and specifically the turnovers that lead to touchdowns, had been Maryland's achilles heel, and although he did not throw an interception this week the hazardous plays have led to more conservative playcalling. Washington was only called to throw 25 passes Saturday despite Maryland being at a deficit for a majority of the contest. Maryland seemingly conceded on the offensive end having punted on all of their second half possessions despite the lead sinking to as low as two possessions.

As mentioned previously, the playcalling has become very conservative to try to aid Washington into finding his groove. This is what makes his completion percentage concerning as Clint Trickett is not calling many flashy, high-risk plays. Visually, it seems Washington has lost all confidence in the pocket, for example on Maryland’s first drive Washington threw a pass that was nowhere close to the receiver with a relatively clean pocket. Combine this with the interceptions, particularly the first pick-six vs. UCLA, and Washington seems to be lost. With half of the season remaining, Washington will need to be more efficient for Maryland to have a chance to right the ship.

Washington is Averaging 1.57 YPC In Conference Play

Over the course of his tenure, flashes of Malik Washington’s running ability have been on display. In 2025 this was especially the case against Rutgers where Washington burst for a long touchdown on the ground. In what was seen as a potential X-factor for Maryland’s offense entering the season, Washington’s legs have been mostly ineffective thus far in conference play.

Last week, Washington was tied for the team lead in rush attempts and was able to muster 16 total yards including some designed runs that did not make it past the line of scrimmage. This week, Washington kept a zone read for Maryland’s only offensive touchdown, but not including this rush Washington gained 14 rushing yards on 3.5 yards per carry. Not including sacks, Washington is still only averaging 3.11 yards per carry and has not had a single carry eclipse 15 yards. The explosiveness from Washington has not been there on the ground as the sophomore’s lack of speed and agility have shown through in open space situations. With the Maryland running game being mediocre, Washington’s ground capability has done little to aid that part of the offense thus far.

Conclusion

The offense has seemed to hit a wall in conference play. A lack of explosion, a quarterback who has been uncomfortable, and conservative play calling have put the offense in a tough place to be successful. With half of the season left it will be paramount to improve at all aspects of offense including the running efficiency, explosive plays, and the ability at sustaining long drives. Washington is at the forefront of this and the performances from the Terrapins signal caller must flip quickly if the season can be salvaged.

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