When the Washington Commanders throw the football to wide receiver Terry McLaurin, good things happen for the offense. It’s been that way since McLaurin’s rookie season in 2019, regardless of the quarterback.
In Sunday’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles, McLaurin caught five passes for 63 yards and a touchdown. He could’ve had a lot more. Quarterback Sam Howell just missed one off McLaurin’s fingertips in the end zone at one point.
However, it was two misses in the fourth quarter that will haunt Howell and McLaurin the most.
Down 31-24, Washington was driving with 4:23 remaining in the game. On third-and-8, Howell sees McLaurin, firing the ball to him that would’ve gone for a first down. The throw was off but hit McLaurin’s face mask.
On the next play, Howell, under duress, sees McLaurin again, this time throwing a bit low to McLaurin, who sees the ball bounce off his hands and Washington turned the ball over on downs.
While neither throw was perfect, both were catchable. McLaurin’s makes more difficult catches on a weekly basis.
For his part, Howell acknowledged he needed to be more accurate on each throw.
But McLaurin, the ultimate leader, took full accountability.
“I’m one of the leaders of this team; I pride myself on making tough plays,” McLaurin said. “I got to be better in those situations, and I’m going to be better. So I take accountability for those tough plays I missed, and I’ll encourage the guys to do the same.”
Commanders team captain Terry McLaurin talked after today’s loss.
A variety of topics including the evaluation of the team and the looming trade deadline.
Terry said, “whoever is here next week, we’ll find a way to come back better.” pic.twitter.com/VAVYqefnPz
— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) October 29, 2023
Spoken like a true leader.