Terry McLaurin was in the Commanders’ news all week.
He was in the news not for what he had done this season but for what he had not done. Through two games, McLaurin had 8 receptions for only 39 yards and no touchdowns.
But in this Week 3 contest in Cincinnati against the Bengals, McLaurin not only led the Commanders in receiving yards but also reached the 100 yard mark and scored the clinching touchdown in the fourth quarter. On his night, he was targeted six times and came away with four receptions for an even 100 yards.
Leading 31-26 in the fourth quarter, the Commanders faced a 3rd & 2 at the Bengals 49. Daniels rolled right and found McLaurin crossing from the left side for four yards and first down.
When the Commanders ran on both first and second down late, they appeared to be setting up a field goal attempt. However, on 3rd & 7 from the Bengals 27, Daniels lofted a pass high up the right sideline, which found McLaurin in the end zone for a 38-26 Washington lead with 2:10 remaining.
Early in the game, it appeared the woes for McLaurin were going to continue when he and Daniels failed to connect on a 1st & 10 at the Bengals’ 35 with the score tied 7-7. McLaurin broke wide open deep, and Daniels missed him badly — very badly. Badly enough, I wondered if there was a miscommunication in what route McLaurin was supposed to run.
Leading 14-10, the Commanders were at their own 41, facing a 2nd & 5. There was no miscommunication on this play, as Daniels found McLaurin deep for 55 yards to the Bengals 4.
JD with a BEAUTIFUL 55yd BOMB to McLaurin!!!!
What a THROW! pic.twitter.com/GDnhxv0KjC
— Mark Tyler(Hogs Haven) (@Tiller56) September 24, 2024
When the Bengals had closed to 28-20, the Commanders were starting at their own 30 when Daniels found McLaurin for 14 yards and a first down to the 44.
It’s good to see McLaurin making a significant contribution again in the passing game. Dan Quinn thought so, too, as cameras caught Quinn picking McLaurin up off the ground on Monday in celebration of his big plays.
