ASHBURN, Va. (AP) — Terry McLaurin’s limited output of eight catches for 39 yards in the first two games raised questions about the Washington Commanders’ use of their highest-paid player.
Now, nearly halfway through quarterback Jayden Daniels’ rookie season, McLaurin is fourth in the NFL with 579 receiving yards and on track for the best season of his career. The Commanders are 6-2 for the first time since McLaurin’s 2019 debut, and he could see even more targets in the second half as they aim for the playoffs.
“Every game with a player like that, you walk away wishing he got the ball more,” said offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. “You want to make sure every week, when it matters, that he’s the one getting it.”
At times, however, McLaurin has been less involved. Daniels attempted to find him eight times in Week 2, but the results were minimal.
What changed? For McLaurin, the answer is “Patience.”
“Patience has been key, trusting that our work since the offseason would pay off,” McLaurin explained. “Jayden came in more prepared than most rookies, but there’s still a learning curve.”
Daniels, already the frontrunner for AP Offensive Rookie of the Year, has shown remarkable growth, wisely choosing when to target McLaurin.
“When the defense allows it, that’s my cue to get him the ball,” Daniels said.
Despite being out-targeted by 18 other receivers, McLaurin, who has played with a dozen quarterbacks, doesn’t clamor for attention.
“He never demands the ball,” Kingsbury said. “He just does his job. When a guy plays like that, blocking and working off the ball, everyone else follows.”
Still, McLaurin, who earns over $24 million, relishes the responsibility.
“I want to be the go-to guy when the team needs a play,” McLaurin said. “It’s been fun playing with Jayden and this receiving group, where each week someone steps up to help us win.”
For instance, Noah Brown made the game-winning touchdown catch against Chicago, set up by McLaurin’s 13-yard sideline grab just a play earlier, bringing his season total to 40 catches and putting him on pace for over 1,200 yards—a career milestone.
Kingsbury’s system has opened up McLaurin’s deep-ball ability, helping boost Washington’s offense, now ranked third in points scored.
“Kingsbury has unlocked a part of my game—stretching the field,” McLaurin said. “That’s been big for me and the team, and we’ve been making plays downfield with more opportunities.”
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