Tag: WR Terry McLaurin

Quick facts from Commanders’ Week 9 win over the Giants

Several numbers that stood out from the Commanders’ win over the Giants.

The Commanders were not dominant, yet they did win a NFC East divisional road game, defeating the New York Giants 27-22.

Here are some of the quick facts from the seventh win of the Commanders’ season:

  • Today’s win was Dan Quinn’s 50th NFL win as an NFL head coach.

  • With two fourth-down conversions in the first half, the Commanders are now 11 for 11 on fourth down this season. Per @EliasSports, this is the first time since at least 1980 (when the stat began being tracked) that Washington has started a season 11-for-11 on fourth down.

  • Today, Dante Fowler’s two sacks gave him his 10th multi-sack game.
  • The Giants came into Sunday’s game, leading the NFL with 35 quarterback sacks. Today, against the Commanders, they had zero.
  • Jayden Daniels numbers: 15/22,  209 yards, two touchdowns, 128.8 passer rating, 0 interceptions, 0 sacks.
  • By beating the Giants today, Washington completed a season sweep of the NY Giants for the first time since the 2021 season.
  • The Giants had the ball exactly four minutes longer today, 32:00 to 28:00. The Giants also gained 164 yards rushing to the Commanders’ 149. But Washington did force one Giants turnover without committing a turnover. The Commanders also sacked Jones twice, while Jayden Daniels was not sacked.
  • With the win, the Commanders are now 7-2. This is the first time Washington is 7-2 since the 1996 season, when that team collapsed, finishing 9-7 and missing the playoffs.
  • With two receiving touchdowns today, Terry McLaurin now has four career games in which he has scored two touchdowns.
  • Today, Dante Fowler reached the 50-sack plateau and forced a 14th career fumble.
  • Jayden Daniels is the first Washington rookie quarterback to sweep the New York Giants.
  • With six receiving touchdowns in 2024, Terry McLaurin has had the most receiving touchdowns since his 2019 rookie season.
  • Terry McLaurin, with his two touchdowns today, now has 31 in his career, becoming the tenth in franchise history with 30 touchdowns.

 

What everyone said after the Commanders’ Hail Mary against the Bears

A collection of quotes from the Commanders’ miraculous win over the Bears

With the game clock having hit zeros, Jayden Daniels stepped up to the 35-yard line and heaved a Hail Mary toward the end zone.

Three Bears and Commanders players collided going up for the pass, with Tyrique Stevenson getting up higher than anyone else and deflecting the ball. It floated toward Noah Brown, who caught it for the winning touchdown.

Here is a collection of postgame quotes from players, analysts, coaches and media personalities.

Jim Nantz CBS, actual broadcast of the play

“And the ball is CAUGHT! It’s a MIRACLE! It’s Noah Brown! Oh my goodness! This town is going crazy! It’s a madhouse in Landover, Maryland!”

“This one will be played back over and over again for decades. The ball tipped by Stevenson and Noah Brown just standing back there all alone, plucks it out of the air for the victory!”

Tony Romo CBS analyst, immediately after the catch

“He did it!” I know this sounds crazy but there’s a method to the madness here. Everyone usually goes and jumps to the ball. But you always put one guy behind and one in front and have two or three go jump for it.”

“Daniels extending this play and the time allowed everyone to get down there in position to go toward the ball and be in their spot. And what a game, Jim! Nantz then simply replied, “There are no words.”

Sam Cosmi

“Miracles happen”

Noah Brown

“Yes, that happened to be my assignment on the Hail Mary. We got one guy in the front, two in the back. Try to throw it up to the jumper.”

We got a team of fighters. I am not surprised at all with this happening. I know we don’t give up until the final whistle. It’s just a phenomenal effort on all sides.”

We are well blessed to have ‘5’ leading this team. The things he can do is special. Even that last play, keeping his composure, fighting like Hell to get the ball off, and through a Hell of a ball. I wouldn’t want to play with any other quarterback. I am glad to have him.”

Trevor Sikkema Pro Football Focus lead draft analyst

“I’m so happy for Dan Quinn, man. Deserved a second chance at being a HC. He got one with one hell of a quarterback.”

Tyrique Stevenson (Bears defensive back who was talking smack to fans as the final play was beginning.

“To Chicago and teammates my apologies for lack of awareness and focus …. The game ain’t over until zeros hit the clock. Can’t take anything for granted. Notes taken, improvement will happen”

Terry McLaurin (said the Commanders practice this formation and tip drills)

“If you look it up on film, we were pretty much all in our spots.”

“It felt like it was going in slow motion.”

Kevin Durant

“HAHAHHAA LETS GO @Commanders “

John Keim

“that’s one way to avoid having more red zone issues.”

“Hail Mary. Do I need to say more?”

Jayden Daniels

“I just threw the ball up and gave my guys a chance.” Did he see it? “I just heard people screaming and the sideline rush the field.”

Phidarian Mathis

“It was crazy, it was crazy, man. I ain’t gonna lie, I shed a tear. It was amazing being around something like that. Wouldn’t want it no other way.”

Mitchell Tischler

“Jayden Daniels, magic in a pan! Trent Scott wouldn’t have fumbled that one!”

Chris Russell

“Tonight is 1 A in terms of memorable moments at this joint in Landover, since I’ve been around (2009 +). I can’t put it over NFC East clinching win over #Cowboys on SNF in 2012. But wow!

Zach Ertz

“You guys gotta stop calling him a rookie quarterback. He’s not a rookie quarterback in our eyes. … His maturity and poise is that of a 10-year vet. In our eyes, he’s just one of the leaders on this football team.”

Sam Cosmi on Jayden Daniels

“He doesn’t shy from adversity.”

“It was just like a movie …. front-row seats to be part of something amazing! Hats off to our defense. … I love being a part of this team. It’s something I never felt in my whole football career.”

 

Quick facts from Commanders’ 18-15 win over the Bears

Some quick facts from Commanders’ win over Bears.

The Commanders were entirely outplayed in the final quarter, gave up the lead, and yet won with a final Hail Mary to beat the Bears 18-15 at Northwest Stadium.

Here are some of the quick facts from the sixth win of the Commanders’ season:

  • Jayden Daniels said it was his very first Hail Mary to win a game…ever!
  • Terry McLaurin today passed Ricky Sanders for seventh place in franchise receptions.
  • Daron Payne recorded his first solo sack of the season.
  • The Commanders went 59:57 seconds before scoring their only touchdown today, scoring on the game’s final play.
  • The Commanders outgained the Bears 481-307.
  • The Commanders, in the final quarter, surrendered drives of 84 yards (but the Bears bailed them out by fumbling on the exchange) and then 62 yards for what appeared to be the winning touchdown by the Bears.
  • P Tress Way has achieved his 280th career punt to be inside the 20-yard line. Way is second in the NFL.
  • Jayden Daniels had 313 passing yards compared to only 111 for Caleb Williams.
  • The Commanders have not lost a game at “Northwest Stadium” (4-0).
  • DT Johnny Newton recorded his first NFL quarterback sack and first recovered fumble today.
  • 1997 was the last time the Commanders had held two consecutive opponents scoreless in the first half (Weeks 10 and 11).
  • Bears quarterback Caleb Williams’s three first-half completions for 33 yards were his fewest for any half thus far in 2024.
  • The Commanders are 6-2 for the first time since 2008. That team collapsed, finishing 8-8.
  • K Austin Seibert passed Mark Mosely’s franchise record of 81 points scored through eight games, which he accomplished in the 1983 season. Remember, Seibert did not play in the first game of this season.
  • Austin Seibert made his first four field goal attempts before missing his fifth attempt, (connecting with the ground slightly before his foot struck the ball).

When they last met: Commanders and Panthers

What happened the last time Washington and Carolina played?

“When they last met” is an ongoing series during the NFL season, recalling the preceding game between Washington and the next opponent on the Commanders’ schedule.

Washington 27, Carolina 21 – Week 11, Nov. 21, 2021

In Cam Newton’s return to Carolina, Ron Rivera’s team, led by Taylor Heinicke, ruined Newton’s festive day. Washington came into Charlotte and defeated the Panthers 27-21.

Heinicke twice responded with Washington down by a touchdown to lead scoring drives and toss touchdown passes. Trailing 7-0, Heinicke connected with Cam Sims from six yards, tying the score with 13:29 in the second quarter.

Trailing 14-7 and driving, attempting to score before the half, Heinicke found Terry McLaurin with only nine seconds remaining for a 12-yard touchdown tying the game at halftime.

Washington drove and scored with 9:21 remaining in the third quarter, taking their first lead of the game at 21-14 when Heinicke passed to DeAndre Carter from four yards out.

Heinicke had his finest career day as an NFL quarterback, completing 16 of 22 passes for 206 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions. He recorded a 141.3 passer rating in the victory, the team’s second consecutive victory after upsetting the Tampa Bay Bucs the previous week at FedEx Field.

McLaurin led Washington with 103 receiving yards, while Antonio Gibson provided 95 rushing yards.

Newton completed 21 of 27 attempts for 189 yards and two touchdowns for a 120.5 passer rating. Christian McCaffrey led the Panthers with 59 rushing yards and 60 receiving yards.

Washington leads the all-time series, having won 10 of the 17 games played since the series began in 1995.

What everyone said after the Commanders’ Week 6 loss vs Ravens

What players, coaches and analysts said following the Commanders’ loss to Ravens.

On Sunday, the Washington Commanders were defeated by the Baltimore Ravens 30-23, falling to 4-2.  Here is a collection of postgame quotes from players, former players/analysts, and coaches.

Brian Mitchell

“Washington fans, realize, your team is better than you think, and those that are hating, start to worry. Because we’re about to start upsetting you.”

“We might want to start going to him more than we think we need to, because all he does is make plays.” Mitchell on Terry McLaurin.

Santana Moss

“There are no moral victories… but I am more encouraged than discouraged … and I’m looking forward to see what they do next week.”

Logan Paulsen

“There was something omniscient, omnipresent about the Baltimore offense, I thought. It was was always just very methodical, like a Boa constrictor strangling its prey. It just has this ability to run for ten, to throw off the play-action, to pass protect, to just kind of exploit what you’re doing. I think it showed a different caliber of team.”

“I don’t think they played badly, and I know that sounds crazy but I think they played more consistently than against Tampa Bay, for example. They were more physical, they tackled better, but I think Baltimore was in their bag offensively and it showed up.”

Team 980’s Craig Hoffman

“I think they got beat by a better unit. At some point you have to admit the Ravens offense was better than the Commanders defense.”

Jayden Daniels

“We’re right there. We’re never going to give up. We’re competing. We’re fine.”

“Losing sucks, but you move on to the next.”

“This is the NFL. These are the types of games it will come down to one-score games, close games. We have to figure a way to pull out these games.”

Bobby Wagner, on his experience in helping Seattle become winners

“Honestly, it took games like this, where you kind of hurt yourself a little bit – whether it’s penalties, whether it’s miscommunication [or] things of that nature. You go back, you hold yourself accountable …and everyone gets back to the drawing board. Don’t hold your head down and just grow, and if every player can grow, it’s going to make us that much better. I feel that we [have] those guys.”

“I mean, it’s tough. When you get the run game going, it kind of opens up everything for them. We need to do a better job in taking away the run and finally getting some pressure.” Wagner on struggles vs Ravens

Dan Quinn on Brian Robinson

The staff isn’t “going to play guys if they can’t do their thing at full speed … Hopefully, we can turn the corner to get him back into his groove.”

More from Quinn on the game: “It certainly was a tough game. That’s what we talked about in the locker room. As lopsided as it felt, [we] still in the fight at the end. We do have a tough crew with an attitude to battle. There is going to be a lot to learn from this game.”

Nick Allegretti on trying to run against the Ravens

“Versatile, big, run-stopping defensive tackles that are also pass-rushers. I think that’s something a lot of teams struggle with.”

Ravens QB Lamar Jackson

“I believe [Jayden Daniels] deserves all the hype he’s getting. He played a tremendous game out there. They just came up short. He’s been proving it. His rookie season – first six games he’s been playing amazing.”

Chris Simms from NBC SNF Football

“I’m really impressed with the Kliff Kingsbury offense. And this quarterback, he’s as cold as ice, man. He is smooth, he doesn’t blink under the pressure, and he just refused to go away.”

Terry McLaurin

“This is definitely something we’re going to be able to learn from going forward, I like the way we fought til the end, but there’s no moral victories.”

“I think we already believe that in ourselves. … We got a resilient group.” he said on if they can play with anyone.

“Losing sucks. … It sucks. But we don’t have a group of guys that are going to hang their head.”

 

Dan Quinn’s answer about a No. 2 receiver is telling

The Commanders like their current group of receivers.

Throughout the 2024 offseason and training camp, it was a foregone conclusion that Jahan Dotson was Washington’s No. 2 receiver.

That is until preseason games began, and head coach Dan Quinn noticeably one day praised some wide receivers but neglected to mention Dotson. After a week of much speculation, suddenly, on the morning of August 22, Adam Peters had traded away Dotson and a fifth-round choice to the Eagles. In exchange, Washington would receive a third-round choice and two seventh-round choices.

To this day, fans and media still discuss the team’s need for a No.2 receiver. Quinn apparently doesn’t agree.

On Wednesday, when asked about “the lingering discussions” about the Commanders’ need to develop a No. 2 receiver, Quinn smiled and responded, “No, I’ll let you and the guys outside have those ones. For us, we’re really focused on the guys that are here, honestly, just absolutely battling for it.”

Olamide Zaccheaus leads the receivers (other than Terry McLaurin) with 10 receptions, averaging 11.4 YPR. Noah Brown follows him with 9 receptions, averaging 12.3, Luke McCaffrey (7/ 11.3), Dyami Brown (5/ 7.4), and Jamison Crowder (1/ 5.0).

Quinn interestingly added, “What you will see sometimes each week is some reps may change by the position, what’s needed maybe for that game plan or for how we’d want to attack. But we’re really pleased with the group and their competitive nature, what they stand for.”

For what it is worth, the Eagles were without DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown last week, and Brown has now missed the last three games. Dotson has not taken advantage of their absences, as he has only accumulated five receptions for 25 yards in his four games.

Commanders call upon Jeremy McNichols to share RB load

McNichols was an unsung hero in Week 3.

Jeremy McNichols made a huge play Monday night in the win against the Bengals.

However, the television announcers did not make mention of McNichols making the play. Probably most of the sports television analysts the next day only talked of Terry McLaurin and Jayden Daniels, but watch the replay again.

The Bengals brought eight on the blitz, the Commanders only had seven blockers. McNichols (running back) stepped up to an inside blitzer, leaving the outside blitzer to come and hit Daniels just after he released the ball. McNichols taking out the inside blitzer, provided Daniels the time needed to throw the deep touchdown to McLaurin.

“There’s a lot of things that come to mind with him (McNichols),” said Dan Quinn.  “Humility, and the other one is trust. He’s somebody that when called upon, man, does he deliver.”  Quinn then referred to that particular protection by McNichols.

With Austin Ekeler out with a concussion this week, McNichols will be asked to protect Daniels, receive passes, and run the ball.

“Whatever role he’s asked, he usually delivers, because of that mindset, whether its dirty work, like going to pick up a blitz, or covering kicks. That’s why I thought it fitting for him to be a captain for this game.”

In 2024, McNichols has only one carry and no targets, but with Ekeler out, McNichols moves up to share the load at running back with Brian Robinson Jr. Sunday against the Cardinals.

Terry McLaurin is back as Commanders beat Bengals

Breaking down Terry McLaurin’s phenomenal night.

Terry McLaurin was in the Commanders’ news all week.

He was in the news not for what he had done this season but for what he had not done. Through two games, McLaurin had 8 receptions for only 39 yards and no touchdowns.

But in this Week 3 contest in Cincinnati against the Bengals, McLaurin not only led the Commanders in receiving yards but also reached the 100 yard mark and scored the clinching touchdown in the fourth quarter. On his night, he was targeted six times and came away with four receptions for an even 100 yards.

Leading 31-26 in the fourth quarter, the Commanders faced a 3rd & 2 at the Bengals 49. Daniels rolled right and found McLaurin crossing from the left side for four yards and first down.

When the Commanders ran on both first and second down late, they appeared to be setting up a field goal attempt. However, on 3rd & 7 from the Bengals 27, Daniels lofted a pass high up the right sideline, which found McLaurin in the end zone for a 38-26 Washington lead with 2:10 remaining.

Early in the game, it appeared the woes for McLaurin were going to continue when he and Daniels failed to connect on a 1st & 10 at the Bengals’ 35 with the score tied 7-7. McLaurin broke wide open deep, and Daniels missed him badly — very badly. Badly enough, I wondered if there was a miscommunication in what route McLaurin was supposed to run.

Leading 14-10, the Commanders were at their own 41, facing a 2nd & 5. There was no miscommunication on this play, as Daniels found McLaurin deep for 55 yards to the Bengals 4.

When the Bengals had closed to 28-20, the Commanders were starting at their own 30 when Daniels found McLaurin for 14 yards and a first down to the 44.

It’s good to see McLaurin making a significant contribution again in the passing game. Dan Quinn thought so, too, as cameras caught Quinn picking McLaurin up off the ground on Monday in celebration of his big plays.

Jayden Daniels spectacular in Commanders’ win vs. Bengals

What a night for Jayden Daniels.

Jayden Daniels was spectacular Monday night!

Daniels completed 21 of his 23 passing attempts for 254 yards and two passing touchdowns. He also collected 39 rushing yards on 12 carries and one rushing touchdown.

In completing 91 percent of his passing attempts, Daniels did something no other rookie quarterback had accomplished in NFL history (with a minimum of 20 attempts).

Dan Quinn was excited and happy in the postgame press conference. He praised Daniels, of course, calling him “a really cool customer.” He talked of how his ability to use his legs and keep his poise led to his strong performance. Quinn even slipped in that Daniels slid once after converting a key first down.

https://twitter.com/Tiller56/status/1838410277265584193

Praising Kliff Kingsbury, saying all week Kingsbury prepared the offense with what they would have to do in critical moments. Quinn said Kingsbury called a great game.

Daniels threw his first NFL touchdown pass on Monday. Surprisingly, it was a tackle-eligible pass to Trent Scott from one yard out. Scott was ecstatic and exuberant in the end zone when he knew he had scored.

When the Bengals had closed to 31-26, Daniels, with the crowd noise growing against him, converted a 3rd & 2 with a 4-yard pass to Terry McLaurin.

Then on a 4th & 4 Daniels found Zach Ertz for 9 yards to the Bengals 30.

Not finished, he converted the 3rd & 7 from the 27, not with another first down, but with a 27-yard touchdown to McLaurin to put the Commanders up two scores at 38-26 with 2:10 remaining.

Daniels is still a rookie, there will be times he misses open receivers, but tonight, he got his first road NFL win, and also his first MNF win.

Hey, the Commanders are 2-1, tied with the Eagles in first place!

When they last met: Commanders vs. Bengals

What happened the last time these two teams met?

“When they last met” is an ongoing series during the NFL season, recalling the preceding game between Washington and the next opponent on the Commanders’ schedule.

Washington Football Team 20, Cincinnati Bengals 9 – Week 11, Nov. 22, 2020

In gaining 94 rushing yards, Antonio Gibson led Washington to a 20-9 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals at FedEx Field in Landover.

Gibson, with his 16 carries, helped Washington control the ball, including his 1-yard run in the opening quarter, which gave Washington a 7-0 lead.

Trailing 9-7 in the third quarter with 8:58 remaining in the third quarter, quarterback Alex Smith connected with Steven Sims from three yards out, pushing Washington back ahead 14-9.

Washington kicker Dustin Hopkins then added successful field goals from 32 and 50 yards, extending Washington’s lead to 20-9.

Terry McLaurin led the Washington receivers with five receptions for 84 yards, including a 42-yarder.  J.D. McKissic contributed six rushing attempts for 43 yards and three receptions for 26 yards.

Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, then a rookie, dropped back to pass deep in the Cincinnati end, leading 9-7 with 11:41 remaining in the third quarter. Just after he released the ball, Jonathan Allen hit him (cleanly). Burrow went to the ground, immediately in pain, grabbing at his left knee. He would be lost for the remainder of the season with an ACL injury. He had completed 22 of 34 attempts for 203 yards.