Sam Howell is the tenth quarterback Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin has caught a pass from since entering the NFL in 2019. Despite the potential of the former North Carolina QB, McLaurin is having the least productive season of his young career.
On Sunday, McLaurin had zero catches in Washington’s 45-15 loss to the Miami Dolphins. McLaurin received a mere three targets. It’s the second game he went without a catch during his pro career.
Meanwhile, his counterpart, Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill had 157 yards and two touchdowns on five catches.
McLaurin expressed his frustration about the lack of passing targets he has received.
“Nah, I ran a lot of cardio,” McLaurin said, per Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post. “It happens. It comes with it when it’s tough, but yeah, it’s frustrating.”
Terry McLaurin has 60 catches, 694 receiving yards, and two touchdowns through 13 games. He’s averaging 4.6 catches per game, which believe it or not, is on par with his career average. However, the 53.4 yards per game are the lowest of his career.
Howell is in his first complete season as the starter. Some would argue he has the potential to be the best passer of McLaurin’s time in Washington. Yet, Howell has been unable to get the football to the Commanders’ top receiver.
“Definitely not what we wanted to do,” Howell said, per John Keim of ESPN after the loss to the Dolphins. “I have to find ways to get him the ball. Three targets isn’t enough for your best player.”
The Commanders have lost nine of its last 11 games and have a 4-9 record. Washington heads into a Week 14 bye, searching for answers on both sides of the football.
Washington is averaging 14.7 points in the last three games, all losses. That’s certainly not a good sign for offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy in his first year with the Commanders. A lack of targets for McLaurin may be a big reason for Washington’s lack of offensive production.
McLaurin signed a three-year, $68.3 million extension that kicked in this season. He’s owed $18.5 million in cash in 2024 and carries a $24.1 million salary cap hit. That’s a hefty price for a wide receiver that isn’t getting targeted.
If the Commanders want to salvage this season and build toward the next, Bieniemy must figure out how to get the football in McLaurin’s hands. Otherwise, McLaurin’s talent will go to waste in the nation’s capital.
