Terry McLaurin Returns, and the Commanders Finally Look Like a Team Again
The Washington Commanders didn’t win on Sunday night, but for the first time in two months, they looked like a team that could. Their narrow loss to the Denver Broncos wasn’t just another number in the loss column-it was a reminder of how dangerous this group can be when its top playmaker is on the field. And that playmaker is Terry McLaurin.
After missing seven of the last eight games, McLaurin returned to the lineup in Week 13 and immediately reminded everyone why he’s the heartbeat of this offense. His impact wasn’t subtle. He made clutch grabs, moved the chains, and gave Marcus Mariota the kind of go-to target every quarterback dreams about.
Mariota didn’t mince words after the game.
“He’s a special player. The more we can get him the rock... he’s gonna make plays for us,” Mariota said.
“He made some big third down catches. He made an unbelievable catch to start the overtime to get us going.
I mean, he’s an unbelievable player and we’re fortunate to have him.”
That’s not just quarterback-speak. That’s a veteran recognizing what everyone watching could see: McLaurin changes everything.
A Difference-Maker in Every Phase
Before McLaurin’s return, the Commanders were scraping by with a patchwork receiving corps. Deebo Samuel Sr. has been available most of the season, Luke McCaffrey was turning heads before a collarbone injury, Treylon Burks has flashed potential, and Zach Ertz continues to be a steady option in short-yardage situations.
But none of them bring what McLaurin does. He’s not just a receiver-he’s a tone-setter.
He wins contested catches. He stretches the field vertically.
He’s a red-zone weapon. And when it’s third-and-crucial, he’s the guy you trust to get open and make the play.
That’s not something you can scheme up or substitute. That’s just who he is.
Even in his limited return a few weeks ago against Kansas City, when he clearly wasn’t at full strength, McLaurin made two jaw-dropping grabs-plays that simply don’t happen without him. One of those catches aggravated his quad, forcing him out of the game.
Washington was competitive while he was on the field, and the moment he left, the offense unraveled. That’s not a coincidence.
The "Replaceable" Narrative Is Dead
Remember the offseason chatter that McLaurin might be expendable? That Washington could lean on Samuel or someone else to fill the void if contract negotiations didn’t go their way?
That narrative didn’t survive the regular season.
McLaurin’s absence exposed just how vital he is to this team’s identity. Without him, the Commanders lacked rhythm, reliability, and a true top option.
With him, they suddenly look like a team that can go toe-to-toe with playoff-caliber opponents. His presence doesn’t just elevate the offense-it gives it purpose.
A Glimpse of What Could Be
The Commanders didn’t get the win, but they did get a spark. And in a season that’s been short on momentum, McLaurin’s return gave them something to build on.
Head coach Dan Quinn has been searching for consistency on both sides of the ball. If McLaurin stays healthy, he just might have found the offensive anchor he needs to stabilize the second half of the season.
It’s no secret this team has struggled. But Sunday night wasn’t just about another loss-it was about rediscovering the identity that’s been missing for weeks.
And that identity wears No. 17.
Terry McLaurin is back. And so, maybe, are the Commanders.