Tag: Commanders 23 Packers 21 in 2022

Commanders Terry McLaurin made the plays

Terry McLaurin showed why he is one of the NFL’s best wide receivers.

He has had several games where he accumulated more receiving yards, but Sunday was certainly a productive day for Terry McLaurin.

Commanders wideout Terry McLaurin gathered in five receptions for a nice 73 yards Sunday against Green Bay at FedEx Field. If you looked at that stat line in the box score to describe his game, you might even use the adjective “nice.”

Oh, but it was more, much more.

Trailing 14-3, facing a 3rd & 1 at the Packer 41, McLaurin lined up wide left, at the snap came all the way across just behind the Packers defensive line. As Heinicke was rushed he side-armed it to McLaurin who gained six yards and the first down to the 35.

Trailing 14-10 in the third quarter, with a 1st & 10 at the Packer 37, McLaurin beat Packer corner Jaire Alexander deep down the right sideline making the over-the-shoulder grab at the goal line. Washington had its first lead 17-14 at 11:49 remaining.

Another short reception of four yards helped put Joey Slye in position for his 31-yard field goal giving Washington a 20-14 lead.

Trying to hold on to their 23-21 lead late, at the Washington 29 facing a 2nd & 6, McLaurin lined up left, dug in hard selling he was going across the field, turned back left, and Heinicke found him for the catch. McLaurin’s effort to gain more yards while remaining in bounds for 14 yards to the 43 was impressive.

3rd & 9 at the Washington 44. Heinicke’s pass toward the Commanders’ sideline could have easily been knocked down. However, it was McLaurin who aggressively came back to the ball, stealing the reception. 12 yards, another first down to the Packer 44.

Following the game, regarding this final 3rd down reception, McLaurin commented, “I want those moments… I don’t think it just happens… have to put in the work.”

He has, and it shows.

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Heinicke finishes much better than he started in Commanders win over Packers

Taylor Heinicke proved it’s not about where you start but how you finish.

It’s not how Taylor Heinicke started, its how he finished Sunday.

Early on Heinicke was late to pass, and threw behind receivers and it was pretty much a disaster.

He was 0-4 for zero yards in the first quarter and then early in the second quarter, throwing out in the right flat to J.D. McKissic, Heinicke’s pass was considerably behind the desired placement and thus intercepted by De’Vondre Campbell and returned 63 yards for a touchdown. Washington was down 14-3 and calls for Sam Howell began to be tweeted on Twitter.

But Heinicke settled down, and became more assertive, getting the ball out quicker and with better placement, finding Antonio Gibson for a 9-yard touchdown bringing Washington to within 14-10.

Early in the third quarter Heinicke and Armani Rogers connected for 9 yards and a first down to the Green Bay 37. On 1st & 10 Heinicke dropped back, let the ball go on time, led Terry McLaurin well into the end zone for the touchdown and a 17-14 Commanders lead.

In the final quarter clinging to a 23-21 lead, Washington desperately needed to move the ball and run the clock. On 2nd  6 from the Washington 29, Heinicke found McLaurin on a quick out to the left, and McLaurin bulldozed his way for 14 yards, and the first down.

Then on 3rd & 9 from the Washington 44, Heinicke again looked for and connected with McLaurin this time on the right sideline for 12 yards and another first down.

After the horrendous start, Heinicke finished 20-33 with 201 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Perhaps most importantly was those two late first downs to McLaurin when the pressure was on to preserve the victory.

Heinicke proved again Sunday it’s where you finish that counts much more than where you start.