Terry McLaurin and Antonio Gibson are the commanders’ skill players – Washington Blog

ASHBURN VA — The Washington CommandersThey have many interesting options for skill-position players. They are full of potential. However, they are also vulnerable to injury and have uncertainty.

They may be able to play the role of playmaker and win. They should also add to their roster in the offseason for future reference.

Ron Rivera, Commanders coach, has spent the offseason explaining to the Commanders why they will be aggressively seeking a quarterback. The Commanders’ confidence in the roster is the most important factor. They believe that the defense will be great in 2022. Their offensive line has depth and running backs will be solid. Antonio GibsonIt was a strong finish and it continues to improve.

They are also capable of being receivers.

Rivera said, “It is an ideal position.” It’s a great position.

The anchor is Terry McLaurinHe is coming off his second 1,000-yard year in his first three seasons. Gibson is surrounded by skilled players who show flashes but have struggled to stay in the game this past year.

Is it enough for the NFC East to win? Matt Bowen, an ESPN NFL analyst, says the answer is determined by their starting quarterback. But, even if Washington is able to get a mid-tier starter like Jimmy Garoppolo“I believe it’s sufficient to compete in that section and that’s all I can ask for.”

McLaurin, Gibson and four other players have been able to add their talents to the team’s explosive attack. Washington might be compelled to add competition due to their injury histories.

Tight end Logan Thomas:He has been one of Washington’s most notable free-agent signings for a while. A low-level pickup in 2020, he quickly developed into a solid starter. He has caught 90 passes over the past two seasons, including nine touchdowns. He’s been one the most productive red zone tight ends over the past two seasons due to his size (6-foot-6 and 250 pounds) as well as his route running. He ranks third among tight ends with red zone receiving yards in both the past two years, despite having played 10 less games than those before him. Washington quarterbacks love him, as he completed 68 percent their throws to them. Only Dwayne HaskinsWas below 70%

Thomas tore the ACL on December 5th and there is no guarantee that he’ll return in time for the start. He should be back by September. Thomas is a valuable player in the offense.

Receiver Curtis Samuel:Washington imagined Washington seeing him in wide positions, both in the slot as well as in the backfield. In 2020, Samuel was a college running back who averaged 11.05 yards per catch with Carolina. Scott Turner, the offensive coordinator, stated that he would use Samuel as a downfield receiver when he is healthy. These two words summed up Samuel’s 2021 season. Samuel was never healthy, and he played only five games and threw six passes. Samuel’s track record suggests that he will assist Washington. But to what extent? Will soft tissue injuries to his groins and hamstrings flare up this season, or will they be less severe? Samuel has reason to be optimistic, but fingers will also be crossed. McLaurin would be relieved by his presence.

Bowen stated that Samuel should be healthy. “There’s no question about the versatility and impact he can bring. He is your mid-field stretch target, and a dynamic player who has the ball in his hand.

Samuel stated that he was mentally focused, locked in, and ready to go at season’s conclusion. I haven’t felt this happy in a very long time. I’m going to do so much to make sure that the team and I are in the best possible position to win next year’s game.

Running back J.D. McKissic:Thomas was also a fantastic signing in 2020. However, he had to deal with injuries this past year. While he was only able to play in 11 games, he caught 47 passes during his two years with Washington. Washington can use his versatility as a college receiver to allow him to play on many routes.

He is currently a free agent after sustaining a neck injury. Washington is keen to sign him again and doesn’t have anyone like him on the roster.

Bowen stated, “He’s an integral part of what they do.”

Receiver Dyami Brown:His speed (4.45 seconds in 40-yard dash) was the reason he was selected in the third round of last year’s draft. Brown was never a deep target for Washington. Brown finished his rookie season with 12 receptions for 165 yards and no touchdowns.

Although he was limited by a knee injury in October, he still managed to play 15 games. In Weeks 16-17, he showed some improvement with three catches totaling 78 yards. This was a testament to his downfield speed and ability to move over the middle. They liked his role as a gunner in coverage. He became more competitive and physically strong and used his hands to move free. These are traits they hope to transfer to the receiver.

“Most of” [my improvement]This was at the end the season. Brown stated that this was when he really started to get a feel of the game and understood everything around him. “My technique was complete and I was capable of fixing it along.

Bowen stated that Brown must be the outside vertical stretch target.

“We know what we are doing.” [McLaurin] can do. He’s a top-level runner and high volume target. But they need complementing pieces. They have enough talent if everyone is healthy and on the right path. It all comes down to who is letting them have the ball?