ASHBURN, Va. — Terry McLaurin’s early season performance, which included only eight receptions for 39 yards across the initial two games, sparked concerns that the Washington Commanders were not utilizing their highest-paid player effectively. However, as we reach the midpoint of Jayden Daniels’ rookie season, McLaurin has transformed his role, currently ranking fourth in the NFL with 579 receiving yards. With a record of 6-2, this is the best start for the Commanders since McLaurin joined the team in 2019, and there is a promising outlook for him to receive even more passes as they aim for a playoff berth.
“Every game with a guy like that, you come out of it saying, ‘I wish we could have gotten it to him more,’” remarked offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. “He’s a player you want to ensure gets the ball whenever possible.” Early in the season, McLaurin’s targets were limited; Daniels made multiple attempts to connect with him in Week 2, but the results fell short. However, the key to improvement, according to McLaurin, has been maintaining a sense of “patience.”
“Just having some patience and believing in the work we’ve done since the offseason has been crucial,” McLaurin stated. He acknowledged that while Daniels has come into the league ready to compete, there is still a learning process involved. For his part, Daniels is adjusting rapidly and is emerging as a leading candidate for AP Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. He seems to have learned how to effectively balance his targets without forcing plays to McLaurin. “When the defense allows it, that’s when I know to get him the ball,” Daniels explained.
Despite 18 different receivers receiving more targets than McLaurin this season, he remains unfazed. Having played with numerous quarterbacks during his career in Washington, the 29-year-old is known for his composure and professionalism. “He never asks for it,” Kingsbury noted. “He doesn’t complain or hold the quarterback accountable; he simply focuses on his responsibilities. His approach inspires others to follow suit, which is part of what makes him impactful.”
This does not indicate that McLaurin, earning over $24 million, does not desire increased involvement in the offense. On the contrary, he emphasizes his role in helping the team. “I want to consistently be that player for our offense — the one they rely on when a pivotal play is needed,” McLaurin said. He enjoys the collaborative effort of the team: “It’s been enjoyable to play alongside Daniels and my fellow receivers, as every week sees someone new step up to help secure a win, relieving the burden on just one player.”
In a recent game against Chicago, it was Noah Brown who caught the Hail Mary touchdown pass thrown by Daniels for the win. Crucially, moments before that, McLaurin made a significant 13-yard catch that set the stage for the exciting finish. This catch marked his 40th reception of the season and positioned him to potentially exceed 1,200 receiving yards for the first time. This surge of performance aligns with Kingsbury taking over as the offensive coordinator, where Washington boasts the league’s third-best offense in terms of scoring.
“Kingsbury has opened up aspects of my game, particularly with deep balls,” McLaurin commented. “Integrating that into our offense has been vital for my personal development, and as a unit, we’ve been executing well to create opportunities downfield.”