Tag: Gary Clark

Commanders’ WR Terry McLaurin makes NFL history

Further proof of McLaurin’s greatness.

Quickly, name the only four NFL receivers in history to accomplish a milestone of 50 catches and 900 receiving yards in each of their first six seasons.

Well, first, let’s settle the matter of Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin becoming the fourth NFL player to reach these receiving statistics on Sunday against the Saints.

That’s right. Only four receivers have accomplished these plateaus in NFL history for various reasons. Injury is a major reason, as players get injured occasionally.

In the last 30 years, the game has changed to much more of a passing game, yet still, only four receivers in the previous 30 years have caught 50 passes and accumulated 900 receiving years in their first six NFL seasons.

When you consider the quarterbacks who have started for Washington during his six seasons, McLaurin’s accomplishments become even more noteworthy. Here are the quarterbacks who were passing to McLaurin:

  • 2019: Case Keenum, Dwayne Haskins, Colt McCoy
  • 2020: Dwayne Haskins, Kyle Allen, Alex Smith, Taylor Heinicke
  • 2021: Ryan Fitzpatrick, Taylor Heinicke, Kyle Allen, Garrett Gilbert
  • 2022: Carson Wentz, Taylor Heinicke, Sam Howell
  • 2023: Sam Howell, Jacoby Brissett
  • 2024: Jayden Daniels, Marcus Mariota

Going through the list leaves one shaking their head, wondering how it is that McLaurin accomplished this.

OK, who are the other three NFL receivers in modern history who have accomplished these statistics in their first six NFL seasons?

Remarkably, no, not even Jerry Rice. Rice had 49 receptions in his rookie season and began his Hall of Fame credentials.

No, not Art Monk. The NFL season was cut to nine games in his third season due to the players’ strike.

Gary Clark? No. In his fourth season, Clark accumulated 892 receiving yards, falling short by a mere eight yards.

Randy Moss? Yes, you are correct. Further, Moss was, in fact, the very first NFL receiver to reach these heights in each of his first six NFL seasons. In his seventh NFL season, he had only 49 receptions, falling a single reception short of reaching these levels in his first seven seasons.

A.J. Green? Yes, Green accomplished these numbers for his first seven NFL seasons, all with the Bengals. Thus, Green was the first to have 50 receptions and 900 receiving yards in his first seven seasons.

Mike Evans? Evans lives on a planet different from other wide receivers. He has accomplished these numbers for each of his first ten NFL seasons. Of course, he is the only receiver in NFL history to accomplish this in his first ten seasons. In addition, though he missed three games this season, he is on track to again reach these marks in 2024 for his 11th consecutive season!

*In fairness to great receivers like Moss, Rice, Monk, and Clark, none of those guys had the opportunity to play in a 17-game NFL season. From 1978-2020, the NFL played 16-game regular seasons, beginning 17-game schedules in 2021.

Commanders Terry McLaurin increasing production in recent games

Terry McLaurin on the verge of setting a new franchise record. And all signs point to a strong finish this season.

Terry McLaurin is again the receiving leader for Washington this season.

Through nine games, McLaurin has started and played in all nine, has received the most targets (70), the most receptions (47),  receiving yards (568), most receptions per game (5.2) and receiving yards per game (63.1).

With the Commanders pass protection improving, as well as Sam Howell’s reading of the defenses, McLaurin has increased his production considerably in recent games.

For instance, in the season’s first three games, McLaurin had receiving totals of 31, 54 and 41 yards. In his last six games, the receiving yards have increased to 86, 49, 81, 90, 63 and 73 yards. Consequently, the former Ohio State Buckeye averaged 42 receiving yards in his first three games but now is averaging 73.7 yards over the last six games.

McLaurin, in his rookie season, was limited to 14 games yet totaled 919 receiving yards. In his three following seasons, McLaurin’s receiving yardage totals were 1,118 (2020), 1,053 (2021), 1,191 (2022).

If McLaurin again exceeds 1,000 receiving yards this season (2023), he would become the first in Washington NFL franchise history to have accumulated 1,000 receiving yards in four consecutive seasons.

Gary Clark produced three consecutive 1,000 yards receiving seasons 1989-1991 and five in total (1986-1987). Art Monk also produced five 1,000-yard receiving seasons, including three consecutively from 1984-86. Santana Moss also generated three 1,000-yard seasons for Washington (2005, 2008, 2010). Many have forgotten, but Henry Ellard had three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons (1994-96).

Charley Taylor, playing in only 14-game regular seasons, collected 1,119 receiving yards in 1966 from Hall-of-Fame quarterback Sonny Jurgensen.

From a historical perspective, it is worth remembering Ellard, Monk, Clark and Moss played in 16-game regular seasons.

Commanders Season Opener in 84 days; Washington’s best wearing 84?

This one is easy, right?

[connatix div_id=”3f8b015acdd24c648befc5d5dac47469″ player_id=”afe1e038-d3c2-49c0-922d-6511a229f69c” cid=”7cbcea0d-4ce2-4c75-9a8d-fbe02a192c24″]

Commanders Wire begins a countdown to the Commanders season opener for 2023 in 84 days. Who was Washington’s best player wearing number 84?

Washington fans that know some of the history, at least of the Super Bowl era, are altogether certain this is a “no-brainer.” Gary Clark is without question the greatest player in franchise history to wear No. 84.

Here are Gary Clark’s ten longest NFL touchdowns.

Playing his high school football at Pulaski High in Dublin, VA, Clark moved on to college football, remaining in Virginia. Clark at James Madison University earned honorable mention All-American honors in 1982-83 in the Dukes (1-AA) program.

Drafted in the USFL by the Jacksonville Bulls in 1984, Clark led the team in receptions and receiving yards. Washington then drafted Clark 55th overall in round 2 of the 1984 Supplemental Draft.

When Clark was signed by Washington in 1985, the former JMU receiver instantly earned his respect, starting ten games, catching 72 passes (12.9 ypr) 5 for touchdowns.

For five seasons, Clark caught at least 70 passes, while for six seasons, Clark was on the receiving end of at least seven touchdown passes for the Burgundy and Gold, including ten in the Super Bowl Championship 1991 season in which No. 84 averaged a very impressive 19.1 yards on his 70 receptions.

For four seasons, Clark was voted a Pro Bowler, and in 1987 (another Super Bowl Championship season), Clark was voted Associated Press All-Pro First Team.

In his eight Washington seasons (1985-92), Clark collected 549 receptions for 8,742 yards, averaging 15.9 yards a reception and 58 regular season touchdown passes.

Clark also had a touchdown reception in both Super Bowls XXII and XXVI, which were Washington Redskins victories over Denver (42-10) and Buffalo (38-24). Here are Gary Clark’s Super Bowl touchdown receptions.

Washington legend Gary Clark thinks change will be good for current players

Gary Clark talks about what ownership change could mean for current players.

Gary Clark is one of the greatest players in Washington’s franchise history. In his eight years with the then-Redskins, the former JMU Duke caught 549 passes for 8,742 yards and 58 touchdowns. Clark was a member of two Super Bowl championship teams and was one of the NFL’s best wide receivers during that era.

Since his retirement, Clark has been a successful businessman but has always remained a fan of his former team, regardless of the name. Clark is always among the most prominent when the Commanders invite back former players for alumni events.

On Thursday, Olivia Garvey of ABC 7 reached out to Clark to hear his perspective on owner Daniel Snyder reportedly agreeing to sell the NFL franchise to Josh Harris.

Clark believes the current players will benefit the most.

“As a player, I’d be excited because now I’m going to see what’s in the stands, what’s in the seats,” Clark said. “And that’s always important, you know. Having a 12th man being a part of your ritual when you go out to play is huge. Honestly, the players haven’t had a chance to truly see how the Washington fans treat them when you are successful at your job. And once they see that excitement, they think they have it good now; when you win in this town, you truly have it good.”

Clark has never been a former player who openly criticized Snyder or the organization, choosing instead to always cheer for his former team. He certainly appears excited about what’s ahead.

[afflinkbutton text=”Shop Commanders commemorative shirts” link=”https://breakingt.com/collections/washington-football?rfsn=903880.559be”]

We occasionally recommend interesting products, services, and gaming opportunities. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. Commanders Wire operates independently, though, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.

‘The Posse’ present at Commanders practice Friday

Art Monk, Gary Clark and Ricky Sanders were at practice Friday.

It’s alumni weekend for the Washington Commanders as the franchise adds 10 legends to the “90 greatest” list during Sunday’s game. One franchise legend who was honored, former tight end Chris Cooley, will not be attending.

Others who are being honored, such as current team broadcaster London Fletcher and assistant defensive line coach Ryan Kerrigan, will obviously be in town.

Another familiar face in town this weekend is Pro Football of Famer Art Monk. Monk, who was the NFL’s all-time leader in reception when he retired, joined the Hall of Fame in 2008 after a ridiculous wait.

Monk wasn’t the only great Washington receiver in town for alumni weekend. His old teammates, Gary Clark and Ricky Sanders were also at practice. Even better, “The Posse” spent time with Washington’s current group of wide receivers at dinner.

This is terrific. In a time for fans where it feels like there isn’t a lot to cheer about, seeing Terry McLaurin — the current fan favorite — embracing and talking with Monk, Clark and Sanders was a feel-good moment. When Washington was the model franchise of the NFL in the 1980s and early 1990s, “The Posse” was critical to the team’s success. All three receivers brought something different to the field.

The team should continue to hold alumni events to bring these players back. Fans believe in and still respect some of the greats from Washington’s past.

Every player in Philadelphia 76ers history who has worn No. 11

Here are all 33 players who have worn the No. 11 in the history of the Philadelphia 76ers.

It’s summertime in the NBA, so it’s time to learn some history. The Philadelphia 76ers are one of the older franchises in the NBA. Their history dates to the 1949-50 season.

With that longevity, the team has had hundreds of players come through the City of Brotherly Love. Sixers Wire looks at the No. 11, which has been worn by 33 of those players in the history of the franchise.

This running series will go through all of the uniform numbers worn in franchise history. The previous edition of this series was a list compiling the 30 players who have worn the No. 12.

Here is the list of the 33 who have worn No. 11 in Sixers history:

Explaining the NBA’s hardship exception and the free agents who signed as replacement players

Explaining what hardship exceptions and replacement players mean as COVID-19 protocols hit the NBA.

As the omicron variant of COVID-19 continues to spread, the NBA has required a large share of “replacement players” to fill in for the players who are in health and safety protocols. And so far, more than 100 players have reportedly entered the league’s health and safety protocols so far this month, per ESPN’s Baxter Holmes.

But how exactly do the “replacement players” work?

Essentially, the NBA’s hardship exception allows teams to exceed the 15-man roster limit if more than three players on the roster are each going to miss extended time due to illness or injury. Typically, teams weren’t allowed to apply for the hardship exception before Jan. 5.

But starting last season, the league changed the policy to allow earlier exceptions. And as of earlier this week, effective Dec. 19 until Jan. 19, the NBA is allowing teams to sign one replacement player for each player on their roster who tests positive for COVID-19.

While there are some big names (e.g. Isaiah Thomas, Lance Stephenson, CJ Miles) who have signed as replacement players, there are lots of promising young NBA hopefuls who are hoping to use this opportunity as a chance to stick around the league.

Not all of the players below were signed through hardship exceptions and some transactions (e.g. DeMarcus Cousins and Wesley Matthews to the Milwaukee Bucks) may have happened anyway during a normal season.

But below, based on the NBA’s transaction log and reporting from the league’s top insiders, you can find a live tracker of all the players who have signed new deals with NBA teams over the course of the past month.

1991: The greatest season in Washington Football history, Week 9

We could use some good news. Ivan has the latest in his series, looking back at Week 9 of the 1991 season — the greatest season in Washington’s franchise history.

This 2021 NFL season reminds us that 30 years ago Washington assembled its greatest team in franchise history, going 14-2 and racing through the playoffs to the Super Bowl XXVI championship and Vince Lombardi Trophy.

Week 9—Washington 17, NY Giants 13— October 27, 1991

Washington overcame a 13-point halftime deficit, coming back to defeat the NY Giants 17-13, before a Sunday night national TV audience and a sold-out Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Coming into the game undefeated (7-0) Washington was dominated in the first half by the Giants, who limited the Redskins to 26 passing yards and 9 rushing yards in only 16 offensive snaps. On the other hand, the Giants in 36 offensive snaps, had gained 119 passing yards and 88 rushing.

Adding salt to the wound was Gary Clark dropping what should have been a touchdown pass from QB Mark Rypien, permitting the Giants to keep their 13-0 lead at the half.

Rypien came back to Clark on a quick in-pattern, from seven yards out in the third quarter, reducing the Giants’ lead to 13-7.

The duo connected again in the final quarter, Rypien rolling out to his left, then looking across the field to his right and throwing deep, to Clark who had gotten behind the defense for a 54-yard touchdown pass, providing Washington their first lead 14-13.

Chip Lohmiller added a 35-yard field goal, and the Washington defense shut out the Giants in the second half, pushing Washington’s record to 8-0.

Rypien finished his night completing 12 of 25 passes for 159 yards and two touchdowns. Earnest Byner limited, playing through an injury gained only 11 yards in 10 carries. However, Ricky Ervins’ 82 rushing yards on 20 carries led Washington.

“The Posse” of Art Monk, Gary Clark and Ricky Sanders each collected three receptions on the night. Clark led in receiving yardage with 70 yards, Monk supplied 42 yards and Sanders 33.

Rodney Hampton led the Giants’ rushing attack with 83 yards in his 21 rushing attempts. Hampton enjoyed a very busy night, also leading Giant receivers with six receptions (39 yards), while Stephen Baker’s three receptions produced 77 yards.

Wilber Marshall intercepted a Jeff Hostetler pass, as the defending Super Bowl champion Giants fell to 4-4 for 1991.

Here is the second half of that game.

 

1991: The greatest season in Washington Football history, Week 6

Ivan focuses on Washington’s Week 6 win over the Bears in that magical 1991 season.

https://embed.sendtonews.com/oembed/?SC=zuNpGystHk-1650457-7498&format=json&offsetx=0&offsety=0&floatwidth=400&floatposition=bottom-right&float=on

This 2021 NFL season reminds us that 30 years ago Washington assembled its greatest team in franchise history, going 14-2 and racing through the playoffs to the Super Bowl XXVI championship and Vince Lombardi Trophy.

Week 6—Washington 20, Chicago 7— October 6, 1991

Mark Rypien and Art Monk connected for two touchdown passes, as Washington won their fifth straight game, defeating the Chicago Bears 20-7 at Soldier Field in Chicago.

Leading 3-0, Rypien found Monk for a 26-yard TD, enlarging the Washington lead to 10-0 at the half. Rypien and Monk teamed up again in the final quarter from five yards out, providing Washington with a 17-7 lead.

Washington kicker Chip Lohmiller was successful on two field goal attempts from 47 yards (first quarter) and 23 yards (fourth quarter).

The Bears actually moved the chains 19 times to Washington’s 12, as Chicago out-gained Washington on the ground (120-75) and passing (199-168).

Yet the Washington defense created big plays, forcing three Bears turnovers. Wilber Marshall, Kurt Gouveia and Fred Stokes all intercepted Bears’ QB Jim Harbaugh. And Washington linebacker Andre Collins also recorded the lone QB sack of the game.

Rypien concluded his day completing 18-31 for 168 yards, two touchdowns and 1 interception. Monk led Washington receivers with six receptions for 69 yards and his two TDs, while Gary Clark and Ricky Sanders contributed five receptions for 44 yards and four receptions for 38 yards.

Neal Anderson led the Bears with 73 yards on his 18 carries including his one-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. Harbaugh struggled at times completing only 17 of his 41 attempts for 206 yards and his three interceptions, for a paltry QB rating of 27.1.

The win elevated Washington’s record to 5-0, while the Bears fell to 4-2.

 

Report: Gary Clark working out for the Boston Celtics

Former Houston Rockets forward Gary Clark is working out for the Boston Celtics, according to a report from Emiliano Carchia of Sportando.

Former Houston Rockets and Orland Magic forward Gary Clark is working out for the Boston Celtics, according to Sportando’s Emiliano Carchia. Clark would fill a position of need for the Celtics as a deep rotation power forward. Boston has Al Horford once again, but he is much more of a center these days. They also have Grant Williams and Juancho Hernangomez at the position as well, but neither are incredibly productive.

Clark would seem to be more of a depth option than anything at this time, as he’s never really flashed more than some decent rebounding prowess. He is a career 3.1 points and 2.9 rebounds per game player with some average shooting percentages.

Clark has been in the league for three seasons but has bounced around quite a bit and he has already played for four organizations in that time.

 

His career kicked off with the Rockets on a two-way deal, playing 69 games for them over parts of two seasons and earning a full contract.

Clark was waived by the Rockets and played on a series of 10-day contracts with the Magic before earning a multi-year deal and eventually getting traded to the Denver Nuggets with Aaron Gordon. He played just two games for the Nuggets before getting waived once more and he signed a two-way deal with the Philadelphia 76ers.

This post originally appeared on Celtics Wire. Follow us on Facebook!

[mm-video type=video id=01fb9v51jnjdygr04pfm playlist_id=01f09kz5ecxq9bp57b player_id=01eqbvq570kgj8vfs7 image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01fb9v51jnjdygr04pfm/01fb9v51jnjdygr04pfm-17438926ee5b65dbc2fca6c77df68f3a.jpg]

[lawrence-related id=59658,59656,59638,59626]

[listicle id=59653]