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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Bryan Manning

An encouraging NFL debut for Commanders WR Luke McCaffrey

No Washington wide receiver put up eye-popping stats in Week 1. The Commanders fell to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 37-20. Washington rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels passed for 184 yards in his NFL debut.

Running backs Austin Ekeler and Brian Robinson Jr. were Washington’s leading receivers from Week 1. The talented running back duo combined for seven receptions for 101 yards.

Where was Terry McLaurin? Well, the Commanders didn’t throw a lot to their receivers. McLaurin finished with four targets, catching two passes for 17 yards. Daniels missed McLaurin on a deep ball that would’ve gone for a touchdown.

It was rookie Luke McCaffrey who led the wide receivers with three receptions. Sure, he only finished with 18 yards, but he caught all three targets, including one tough grab near the goal line. There was also the two-point conversion ruled incomplete that the Commanders should’ve challenged.

While McCaffrey didn’t look like the 2023 version of Puka Nacua in Week 1, advanced stats were impressed with his debut. McCaffrey was in exclusive company as it was related to his separation ability vs. Tampa Bay.

McCaffrey’s debut flew under the radar because he didn’t put up big numbers.

More proof that McCaffrey is Washington’s No. 2 receiver.

Don’t get discouraged. Good times are ahead for McCaffrey.

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