Two players need to set the tone for the Washington Commanders in 2024, and fans will love Terry McLaurin's rave review of rookie Jayden Daniels.
It puts these dynamic offensive pieces on the same page from Day 1. McLaurin is a sixth-year veteran while Daniels was the No. 2 overall pick in the NFL Draft.
McLaurin ranks as the No. 16 receiver by Pro Football Focus for 2024, despite a five-year career hindered by weak QB play. But McLaurin said he sees hope that things are changing as he visited in studio with ESPN's Scott Van Pelt.
“I think the first thing that stood out to me about Jayden Daniels (was) the poise he (brought), the first day in the building,” McLaurin said. “It seemed like he knew the entire offense when we got there.
“He's in there calling the huddle through the walkthroughs. He's calling the plays, and he's extremely confident. It's a testament to his preparation and the studying he did on his own.”
And it carries over to the practice field.
“You don't have to tell him what to do when it comes to practice,” McLaurin said. “If he doesn't like a rep, he's like, ‘Terry, let's run it back.' He treats every practice and every rep like it's a game situation.”
Commanders WR Terry McLaurin praises rookie QB's mental makeup
McLaurin shared what he saw as Daniels' passion for the game.
“I think the kid loves ball, and he has a good feel for the game,” McLaurin said.
Also, McLaurin said he likes Daniels as a quarterback with the right attitude to succeed in the NFL.
“I think a big part of it comes from the makeup of the quarterback,” McLaurin said. “He started at Arizona State, and goes to LSU and wins the Heisman. He's used to winning, and what it takes to be a successful player.”
McLaurin's career numbers are impressive when considering his quarterbacks. He's reached the 1,000-yard mark for four straight seasons with 77 or more receptions. The other players who have matched those numbers are superstars Davante Adams (Raiders), Tyreek Hill (Dolphins) and Stefon Diggs (Bills).
One statistical area that has suffered because of Washington's offensive inconsistency is touchdowns. McLaurin has only four, five, five and four after a seven-touchdown season as a rookie.
But he keeps his head down and works.
“It's kind of a no-excuse mentality,” McLaurin said. “All of those things are factors and pieces to the puzzle, but I never hang my hat on it and use that as an excuse.”
Commanders fans are hungry for playoff-worthy team
Commanders fans are hopeful Daniels will end the need for excuses.
Commanders fans aren't starving for a Super Bowl, their main hunger is for a team that looks the part of a playoff contender. It's a horror story of mediocrity, carried on through the Daniel Snyder era.
Over the last 25 years, Washington has compiled an unsightly record of 168-233-2. And it hasn't been up and down. The Commanders haven't won more than 10 games in that stretch, and 10 times they won either seven or eight games. Those latter totals are the perfect mediocre performance that misses the playoffs while also securing a ho-hum first-round draft pick.
The fact that McLaurin and Daniels are forming a professional connection right off the bat has to be music to the ears of Commanders' fans.
“I think you're going to see a great Commanders' team this year,” McLaurin said.
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