A year ago, the Washington Commanders were the NFL’s laughingstock, scraping together just four wins in a forgettable season. Fast forward to today, and they stand at 11-5, poised for a potential 12-win season under the leadership of rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels and a rejuvenated coaching staff. The turnaround is nothing short of miraculous—but there’s one glaring problem: Terry McLaurin, their star wide receiver, isn’t getting the attention he deserves.
Terry McLaurin: The Silent Superstar
Terry McLaurin has been the cornerstone of the Commanders’ offense through years of mediocrity. He’s endured a carousel of underwhelming quarterbacks, yet his elite performance never wavered. Now, with Daniels under center, McLaurin finally has a quarterback worthy of his talent. But according to Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, the team isn’t using McLaurin nearly enough.
“We should definitely try to target him more,” Kingsbury admitted. “As we evolve as an offense, that’ll get there. But he doesn’t have as many targets as some of the premier guys and still has incredible production.”
It’s a stunning revelation, considering McLaurin’s reputation as one of the most reliable and explosive wide receivers in the league. Kingsbury has seen firsthand what McLaurin brings to the field.
“He’s dialed in, locked in, running full-speed routes whether it’s a drill or a game,” Kingsbury praised. “There’s a level of focus there that is rare for anybody in the NFL.”
Jayden Daniels: The Game-Changer
The Commanders’ resurgence can largely be attributed to rookie sensation Jayden Daniels, the No. 2 overall pick out of LSU. Daniels has injected life into the offense with his dual-threat abilities and uncanny poise under pressure. His partnership with McLaurin has already shown flashes of brilliance, but Kingsbury believes there’s still untapped potential.
“It’s been showing up on gameday,” Kingsbury said of their connection. “But we need to connect more.”
The idea of McLaurin getting more targets is tantalizing for Commanders fans. If Daniels and McLaurin can unlock their full potential, Washington’s offense could go from good to downright lethal.
Kliff Kingsbury’s Redemption Tour
Kingsbury, who joined the Commanders this season after his stint as Arizona Cardinals head coach, has been instrumental in shaping this revamped offense. His ability to adapt and maximize talent is evident, but his ambitions stretch beyond his current role.
“If we have some offensive success in the playoffs, I’d love to return to a head coaching role,” Kingsbury admitted.
For now, his focus remains on guiding the Commanders to playoff glory. With McLaurin, Daniels, and a revitalized team around him, Kingsbury might just have the perfect recipe for a deep postseason run—and perhaps, his own redemption story.
What’s Next for the Commanders?
As Washington gears up for Week 18 and the playoffs, the spotlight is firmly on McLaurin and Daniels. If Kingsbury follows through on his promise to involve McLaurin more, the Commanders could be the dark horse that nobody saw coming. But if they fail to capitalize on their star power, it could be a wasted opportunity in a season brimming with promise.
One thing is certain: the Commanders are no longer a team to be underestimated, and the NFL better take notice.
