Dan Quinn said that the Commanders have faced “a season’s worth of adversity” in their first six games. The beleaguered head coach is correct.
They lost Laremy Tunsil in training camp. Jayden Daniels suffered an elbow dislocation in Week 2 and missed some time. They were down to seventh-round rookie quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis against the Colts. There was also the Week 5 debacle against the New York Giants that turned Quinn’s seat into a five-alarm fire. And the sting of being a failed two-point
conversion away from sending Philly to overtime and two fateful failed fourth downs from beating the 49ers.
Then came the latest knuckle sandwich. Terry McLaurin’s knee was placed in an air cast and carted off the field against San Francisco after suffering a season-ending torn patellar tendon.
I mean, come on.
“He brings a lot on and off the field,” Quinn said. “I felt him in so many unique ways this season from training camp to in-season. We do have a deep crew at that position and we’ll lean on several guy to fill the unique role that Terry does.”
There’s no replacing a player like McLaurin. There are special players in this league and he is one. The Commanders must triage, evaluate and then decide how to keep the passing game going strong without McLaurin in the pattern.
Here’s what they’ll need to make that happen:
Stefon Diggs to play like a true No. 1
Stefon Diggs was an elite, frontline receiver is his younger days and remains an effective and impactful presence in the passing game. His career numbers illustrate that with 1,000-yard seasons in each year since 2018, save two impacted by injury.
He understands coverage as well as anyone and always finds ways to get open. Diggs is a rabid competitor and solid leader of the position group and can carry that mantle he was previously sharing with McLaurin.
Game days will be key, especially as coverage starts to devote significant effort to stopping him. He should still be able to operate in those settings as he has so many times before. His target share will surely go up. While he’s not as dynamic as he once and he has had some uncharacteristic drops early on, Diggs is the type to step up and assume a major role in this Commanders offense.
Reserves must form a McLaurin Voltron
McLaurin does so many things well that his deep skill set can’t be replicated by one individual. McLaurin has deep speed. He’s good creating separation. And, as Quinn put it, his “superpower” is making contested catches.
The Commanders have a little bit of that in different options, which is why they’ll have to form a McLaurin Voltron. For those not alive in the 1980s, you’ll have to Google that reference.
They can do so with Dyami Brown and Luke McCaffrey stretching the field. Rookie Antonio Williams is excellent creating separation. And Treylon Burks has the contested catch ability you’re looking for. Washington must deploy them correctly and scheme towards their strengths.
If those guys can do that, the Commanders should be fine. If Burks is healthy and available, it’s fair to assume he’ll start and play a ton. Williams can work from anywhere but becomes a weapon inside and should see more targets as well.
Chig Okonkwo’s involvement goes (way) up
Chig Okonkwo took some time to get revved up in the Commanders offense. An early hamstring set him back and kept him out of Weeks 2-3. He wasn’t super involved in Week 4 but has been far better since then, with 11 catches for 129 yards on 13 targets over the last two weeks.
That’s efficient and explosive production that simply must continue now, to keep some attention off Diggs and be a weapon in the middle of the field. Considering John Bates’ presence as a stout blocker and in-line player allows Okonkwo to work from almost anywhere, giving offensive coordinator David Blough to treat him as a receiver at times. Okonkwo has excellent potential. Now’s the time to realize it.
No trades!!!!
We’re already seen fans discuss the prospect of adding Brian Thomas Jr. or another talent before the trade deadline to make up for McLaurin’s loss. Absolutely not. This team is not in position to be dealing Day 2 or even higher Day 3 pick right now. They need as many assets as possible to fortify their foundation. As a matter of fact, the Commanders could be sellers if the losing continues after the bye.
There’s enough talent on the roster and practice squad to keep going. And, just so we’re on the record here, it’s hard pass on Tyreek Hill (no matter where’s he’s at in his rehab) and Brandon Aiyuk. This team doesn’t need that.
Promote Van Jefferson or Jaden Bradley off the practice squad and work with what you’ve got.
How can the Commanders keep the passing game going with Terry McLaurin now lost for the season? Let us know in the article comments below.
