QB Malik Washington reviews performance in Maryland football's week two win vs. NIU

Ahmed Ghafir
3 days ago
3 min read

Maryland QB Malik Washington wasn’t asked to do as much in week two as he was in week one, yet the true freshman still finished just four yards shy of matching his passing total in his debut after finishing 19-of-35 for 254 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Washington reviews what went right for the offense, reviews his 42-yard touchdown to WR Shaleak Knotts, what he learned about himself this week and more:

On the defensive performance vs. NIU

“It’s the ultimate boost of confidence for me and the offense as a whole just because those guys are playing the other side of the ball but it’s all about complementary football. They play well and get us good field position, it makes it easier for us to score. And the same thing when we score, it gives us momentum, allows them to get stops easier. Just those guys trusting us as an offense and trust in me as a quarterback gives me a lot of confidence.”

On the TD to Shaleak Knotts

“Simple high-low smash concept. Corner bit on the out, had a one-on-one opportunity up top and I trust [Shaleak Knotts]. I like him as a player, I like him even better as a person. I just trusted him. On that play he made an amazing play and allowed us to score.”

On learning in-game, picking up new looks from NIU’s defense

“Making the correct halftime adjustments, coach was talking about what they’re doing up front. Everybody communicating on one accord so that no matter what they’re doing, as long as we communicate it out and stick to our rules, we’ll be fine.”

On Washington’s connection with TE Dorian Fleming, WR Shaleak Knotts

“They just make plays, everybody in our whole offense is able to make those plays. Tonight and last week happened to be their two days. Those guys step it up when their name is called. I trust everybody in the offense. Those are two older guys who have been here a while. I know Shaleak’s been waiting his turn behind some great receivers, some NFL players so now that he gets his chance to shine, same thing with Dorian being able to shine on this level.”

On what he learned about himself this week

“Super important in these tough games, gritty games, you just kind of got to stay with it. No matter how many possessions you get, you’ve got to make the best of them. Can’t have costly turnovers, anything like that. So just being able to stick with it. And I just think this week, we just learned that we’re a four quarter team. We’re going to play hard all four quarters, no matter what the score is. Everybody has everybody’s back, no matter if things are going wrong or they’re going right. There’s no finger pointing or anything like that. We all are collectively close as a team.”

On the OL

“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – those guys have worked their butts off since January. They’ve been putting in the time in the weight room and in the meeting room to be able to come out here and perform like that. I trust them with everything in me. I know they trust me being behind them.”

On the lack of panic despite a close game in the second half

“I think it’s a little bit of both. Of course the veteran guys have the experience with it. They’ve been through these situations before but the young crew that we have, we’re pretty mature as a group so when we get into these situations, it’s collectively as a team, we’re all coming together and saying it’s fine, we’re going to keep going, next drive, next play, next possession and just focus on that.”

On WRs Jalil Farooq & Kaleb Webb

“They bring that savvy leadership, that savvy veteran-ess. Having played a couple seasons, Jalil is an amazing player, even better person. When his name is called, he makes the play. Certain packages where we can get him the ball easier and things like that. Same thing with Kaleb Webb, he stepped up big tonight on a crucial third down, making that catch and run, staying in bounds and keeping that clock rolling. Just those certain plays that those guys really make all the time.”

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