From The Banner · Kevin Reynolds · · 2m
McLaurin's quiet start raises questions about Commanders offense
Terry McLaurin caught just two passes for 14 yards in Week 1, forcing Washington to rethink how it uses its $97 million receiver.
In brief
Terry McLaurin caught just two passes for 14 yards in Week 1, forcing Washington to rethink how it uses its $97 million receiver. The Commanders won't force-feed McLaurin if defenses shut him down; they'll move on to other options like Stefon Diggs and Antonio Williams. Originally reported by The Banner.
McLaurin nearly invisible in opener
The Commanders' star receiver caught just two passes for 14 yards against Philadelphia despite running 35 routes. He was targeted only four times and graded 63rd among 65 receivers.
Commanders promised offense built around McLaurin
When David Blough became offensive coordinator, he said the offense would be built around getting McLaurin 10 targets a game. One week in, that plan has already shifted.
“this thing's going to be built around how do we get Terry 10 targets a game”
Daniels and Blough won't force the issue
Both the quarterback and play-caller say they won't artificially inflate McLaurin's targets if defenses take him away. They'll progress through their reads and move on.
“We teach our quarterbacks, if somebody takes something away, we just keep on progressing”
Eagles executed a shutdown blueprint
Philadelphia's veteran secondary specifically targeted McLaurin for coverage, preventing deep balls and forcing other Commanders receivers to make plays. It worked.
McLaurin's 2025 season was already a struggle
After sitting out training camp in 2025 to negotiate his contract, McLaurin managed just 582 yards and averaged six targets a game, a career low. He's trying to bounce back this year.
McLaurin prepared differently this offseason
He worked extensively with Jayden Daniels during organized team activities, minicamp, and even threw together in Los Angeles. The preparation felt normal and promising heading into the season.
“It just feels like normal. Business is business.”
Commanders have other weapons now
Washington signed Stefon Diggs and drafted Antonio Williams to provide options when McLaurin faces heavy coverage. The offense isn't dependent on one receiver anymore.
Dallas could use the same game plan
If the Cowboys employ Philadelphia's strategy of shutting down McLaurin, the Commanders say they're ready with counter-adjustments. But they won't panic if those don't work.
“You try to have a counter-adjustment ready”
McLaurin was a Pro Bowl player in 2022 and 2024
Before last year's struggles, McLaurin surpassed 1,000 yards in both 2022 and 2024, generating over 100 targets each season. He was one of the league's best receivers.
The key point
The Commanders won't force-feed McLaurin if defenses shut him down; they'll move on to other options like Stefon Diggs and Antonio Williams.
