Commanders Need McLaurin on the Field: Urgency in the Attack

Commanders’ Offensive in Search of Synchronization

The Washington Commanders’ offense has shown inconsistent performance during the summer, according to offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. The absence of key players, including wide receiver Terry McLaurin, has been a determining factor. With the season starting in three weeks, the team needs to step up its teamwork. Kingsbury has pointed out that McLaurin, who is seeking a contract extension, has been working with coaches and has not actively participated in practices.

There hasn’t been much contact with him. He’s been here, but he’s been working with trainers, so until he gets back on the field, that’s when we’ll start building that again.

Kliff Kingsbury

McLaurin is one of the four key offensive players who have missed significant time this summer, which has impacted the team’s performance compared to last season. Although other players have had opportunities, Kingsbury emphasizes the importance of the starting group working together. Washington’s offense, which ranked fifth in points and seventh in yards last season, features the current Offensive Rookie of the Year, quarterback Jayden Daniels. In addition, the team added Deebo Samuel and Laremy Tunsil, and selected Josh Conerly Jr. in the first round of the draft. However, these additions have not translated into a synchronized offensive this summer. McLaurin missed the first four days and was placed on the physically unable to perform list. Sam Cosmi is recovering from a torn ACL, while Brandon Coleman has been out of practice since August 2. Noah Brown has also missed practice time due to a knee injury.

You don’t have your two projected open receivers and your two projected interior players on the guard. It won’t give you the opportunity to gel or really build that relationship until everyone is on the field.

Kliff Kingsbury

The key relationship is between Daniels and McLaurin, who achieved 13 touchdowns last season, 12 of them by Daniels. McLaurin was second in the NFL in touchdown receptions and in the red zone. Daniels had a perfect QBR of 100 when throwing to McLaurin in the red zone and 90.6 overall. Kingsbury prefers field work over classroom sessions, and trusts that the prior understanding between Daniels and McLaurin, along with McLaurin’s knowledge of the system, will accelerate the process. The key is time in the field together to keep building chemistry.