Critical Commanders: Receivers Key to Offensive Success

Of all the units on the Washington Commanders roster it may be the receiver group that holds the key to success.

The Washington Commanders offensive story will be written by a new starting quarterback and new offensive coordinator and play-caller.

While quarterback Sam Howell and assistant head coach/offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy will certainly have plenty to say about the Commanders’ offensive success this season, the next most impactful unit is likely to be the receiving corps led by star Terry McLaurin. 

“Terry’s a unique and special individual,” Bieniemy said about his lead receiver during the preseason. “I am very happy, first and foremost I have that opportunity to work with Terry, but just on top of that, having an opportunity to work with this group. This is a good, talented young group.”

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That young and talented group led by McLaurin featuring star in the making Jahan Dotson and versatile weapon Curtis Samuel has already proven they can help the team be competitive in less-than-ideal conditions.

If Bieniemy can give them ideal conditions, this unit could skyrocket into being one of the best in the NFL.

Last year, with suspect play on the offensive line and at quarterback, Washington’s receiver corps led by the same three men were part of a group that had to try and field 92 contested targets according to Pro Football Focus.

That amount ranked sixth in the NFL behind the Arizona Cardinals, Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texans, Minnesota Vikings, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Of the top six, half have new starting quarterbacks at the top of their revamped passing attacks. 

Despite facing more contested passes than over 80 percent of the league Washington’s top trio of wideouts still brought in enough catches to rank in the upper half of the NFL in receptions.

So far, in limited work, Bieniemy’s offense paired with Howell’s execution appear to be presenting better opportunities for receivers to make clean receptions more often than they have in the past. 

The result, the Commanders hope, will be an improved offense that helps erase any doubts about the team’s potential and Bieniemy’s coaching acumen.