New Commanders OC David Blough said shortly after his promotion that he planned to build his offense "around how do we get Terry [McLaurin] 10 targets a game." First time out we instead got 4 targets, 2 catches, and just 13 yards in Sunday's loss to the Eagles. WR Stefon Diggs and rookie WR Antonio Williams tied for the team lead with 4 catches apiece and easily outpaced McLaurin in yards per catch. Diggs more than doubled McLaurin (and any other teammate) with 9 targets.
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The matchup wasn't easy for McLaurin and the Washington passing game. Philly limited QB Jayden Daniels to just 18-of-34 passing (52.9% completions) and 164 yards (4.8 per attempt).
McLaurin faced CB Quinyon Mitchell (nine) and CB Riq Woolen (13) on 22 of his 35 routes, according to Brandon Gowton of SB Nation' Bleeding Green Nation. Those plays produced 1 target and 0 catches.
Mitchell ranks among the league's best young corners. Woolen has had good stretches in his career but also played his way out of Seattle and into a mere one-year, $12 million deal in Philly for his age-27 season.
My point: Woolen shouldn't be keeping the ball away from McLaurin, at least not to that degree.
Too Early to Worry About McLaurin?
The Woolen specifics aside, McLaurin opened against a good defense, under a first-time OC, with a QB who struggled, and with Diggs and Williams around to draw targets as well. Diggs looked good creating separation while running primarily in the slot. Even he managed just a 44.4% catch rate.
McLaurin also clearly led the group in routes:
| Player | Routes | Rate |
| McLaurin | 35 | 92.1% |
| Diggs | 25 | 65.8% |
| Williams | 23 | 60.5% |
So yes, it's too early to worry about McLaurin. But it's never too early to pay attention to the trends.
Washington gets a more favorable secondary at Dallas in Week 2 before a tough home date with the Seahawks.
McLaurin should remain at least in the WR3 mix for the Cowboys matchup. He might land in the 40s against Seattle.
