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Brad Mills, USA Today

Commanders WR Review: McLaurin Hits 1,000; Consistency Escapes Others

Originally posted on FanNation Washington Football
By Adam Schultz | Last updated 1/27/24

The Washington Commanders offense in coordinator Eric Bieniemy's first season as coordinator had some bright spots, but down the stretch, things fell apart.

Washington would finish with the 25th-ranked offense for points per game (19.4) and ranked 19th for passing yards per game (219.1).

Quarterback Sam Howell showed glimpses of his talent but, like the team, struggled down the stretch. But what about his receiving weapons? How did they fair this season?

Let's take a look.

As has been the case for the last couple of seasons, it was Terry McLaurin and then the rest.

The veteran again surpassed the 1,000-yard mark (fourth-consecutive season) as he continues to be a beacon of production amongst the constant change. McLaurin led the Commanders in yards (1,002), targets (132), receptions (79), and yards per game (58.9) and was joint-first in touchdowns (4).

Such was his production, McLaurin had 389 more yards than second-placed Curtis Samuel (613), 41 more targets and 17 more receptions as well. "Scary Terry" was again the star of the show for the Commanders' offense.

Now we get to the others.

Samuel had nearly enough of the same production as last season as he would finish second in yards (613), targets (91), and receptions (62).

Like McLaurin, Samuel was productive and had stretches in the season where he was a constant contributor. He would have receiving totals of 54, 51, 65, and 42 across a four-game stretch that included two touchdowns between Week 3 and Week 6.

He would then go quiet for the next four games before coming back into form with a nine-reception, 100-yard game against the Dallas Cowboys. He followed it up with a 65-yard game against the Miami Dolphins and a 41-yard, two-touchdown effort a week later.

Again, like his team, the consistency alluded him for the entire season, but we did see patches of good football.

Second-year receiver Jahan Dotson couldn't improve on his good rookie season, as he totaled fewer yards (518) on more targets (83) and receptions (49). He also caught three fewer touchdowns (4), which was tied with three others for the most on offense.

Dotson had a monster game against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 8 (8 rec, 108 yards, 1 TD) but didn't surpass 69 yards in a game outside of that. Given that it was just his second season, we can't be too critical of Dotson, as there is plenty of room to grow.

After McLaurin, Samuel, and Dotson, there was a significant drop-off.

Other receivers in Dyami Brown (12 receptions, 168 yards, 1 TD), Byron Pringle (14 receptions, 161 yards), and Jamison Crowder (16 receptions, 159, 1 TD) round out the group.

Overall, it was a difficult year for the receiver room, but again, McLaurin was the shining light.

With another offseason of change as a new head coach and possibly quarterback will be coming, the receivers not named "McLaurin'' will need to improve their output if the Commanders are to add more wins next season.

This article first appeared on FanNation Washington Football and was syndicated with permission.

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