Soward Quiet About Scoreless Streak

R. Jay Soward has scored a touchdown every 7.3 times he has touched the ball during his career.

But the stunning statistic now is this: Soward hasn’t scored a touchdown in 8.0 games, dating back to Washington State, the seventh game last season.

Granted, he didn’t play much against Stanford or UCLA last year because of injury, and he had a touchdown Saturday against San Diego State nullified because of a holding penalty.

But Soward’s frustration is showing on the field, and he’s trying to handle it off the field the same way he has at other times in his career--by not talking.

“I’ve got to keep quiet,” Soward said as he walked off the practice field Sunday.

He also refused interviews after the game, when his role in two interceptions--one an embarrassing miscommunication with quarterback Carson Palmer--was sharply criticized by ABC commentator Bob Griese.

“Yeah, I know. People keep telling me,” Soward said.

Coach Paul Hackett backed Soward on Sunday, saying he’ll need to be “the premier guy” with Windrell Hayes doubtful for Saturday because of an ankle sprain.

“Right now, people are using a form of double coverage on the two-receiver side, and that opens it up for our split end,” Hackett said. “I tell [Soward], ‘Be consistent, game in and game out. Your time will come. The plays will come.’

“He obviously made an error early in the game that cost us an interception. I think that he blocked maybe better than he’s blocked. I thought he was superb on the punt return.

“But it’s been true his whole career, he’ll have bursts where he’ll absolutely explode, and he’ll have other games where people say, ‘Hey, R. Jay Soward’s not going to beat us.’

“That’s what makes him such an exciting player. You have to live with some of the inconsistency because he’s going to bust one and be unbelievable. That’s the way he is.”