The Washington Football Team (1-2) hasn't exactly been lighting it up through the air so far in the 2020 season — though you wouldn't know it based on the production of second-year wideout Terry McLaurin.
The subpar play of McLaurin's fellow sophomore and Ohio State teammate, quarterback Dwayne Haskins Jr., hasn't affected the receiver's effectiveness.
McLaurin ranks seventh in the NFL with 269 receiving yards through three games, and his 16.8 yards per reception ranks first among players with at least 16 catches (as McLaurin has accrued). However, the team's stagnant offense has prevented McLaurin from finding paydirt more than one time.
With improved play from Haskins and the Washington offense, it's scary to think how good McLaurin might be, in fantasy and reality. Haskins' completion percentage (56.4) is second worst amongst starters, and, as Pro Football Focus pointed out, his adjusted completion rate of 59.8% puts him on the level of 2011 Tim Tebow (who did win a playoff game, but you get the idea).
Dwayne Haskins’ adjusted completion rate: 59.8%
Only 1 other QB has ever finished a season below 60% in the PFF era (since 2006):
🐎 Tim Tebow, 2011 pic.twitter.com/ZJCEEeJ3ou
— PFF Commanders (@PFF_Washington) September 29, 2020
McLaurin showed promise as a rookie, racking up 919 yards in 14 games. He's already taken his game up a level in his second season, unlike — unfortunately for Washington fans — his QB and the rest of the Washington offense, which currently ranks 30th in football.
Despite being the focal point of opposing game plans, McLaurin is on pace for 85 catches and 1,434 yards.
If you're wondering how that all adds up, look at McLaurin's work after he catches the ball. As Grant Paulsen of NBC Sports Washington noted, Terry McLaurin has been far and away the most effective wideout in football after the completion, averaging a league-best 11.2 yards after catch.
Terry McLaurin averages 11.2 YAC per reception, best in the #NFL among wide receivers with at least 15 catches. It's not even close.
11.2 – Terry McLaurin
6.8 – Cooper Kupp
6.5 – Robby Anderson
6.3 – CeeDee Lamb
6.3 – Juju Smith-Schuster— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) September 28, 2020
Or, if you prefer the Eye Test, here's an example of Terry Doin' Work:
A linebacker trying to cover Terry McLaurin … BBQ 🍗
(via @thecheckdown) pic.twitter.com/MxC8n8MpQR
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) September 27, 2020