Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - NOVEMBER 03: Terry McLaurin #17 of the Washington Commanders celebrates a touchdown with Jayden Daniels #5 during the first quarter against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on November 03, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
The Washington Commanders know their offense can only reach its full potential if quarterback Jayden Daniels and wide receiver Terry McLaurin get back in rhythm. McLaurin missed time during his holdout, and although he is now back with the team, the duo is working to rebuild the timing and precision that drives big plays in the passing game.
Head coach Dan Quinn spoke with reporters about the importance of the process. “Yeah, I think, more of it is just time on task, honestly, to say, do they have experience together? Yes, bank reps, yes. But still, yesterday we ran a deep play action that was over to Terry. That was a good route that you’d seen before, so now let’s, hey, let’s work this one some more, this one a little bit more,” Quinn explained.
Quinn emphasized that Daniels takes the responsibility seriously, making sure to isolate specific routes and work directly with McLaurin. “So, Jayden’s excellent with that to work a specific route with a specific player on some things. And so, that’s what you’ll see more with him and Terry, extras, early’s, this specific route, this timing, because it’s not all the same for every player,” Quinn continued.
That kind of repetition will be critical for the Commanders as they prepare for the season. Routes like deep overs and comebacks require a unique level of trust and rhythm between a quarterback and receiver. Quinn acknowledged that these are not just routine throws against zone defenses but high-level timing plays that take constant attention to detail.
Why McLaurin and Daniels Complement Each Other
Beyond timing, Quinn also pointed out that Daniels and McLaurin naturally complement one another’s strengths. Daniels came out of LSU with a reputation for one of the most accurate and touch-filled deep balls in college football. McLaurin has built his NFL career on getting separation downfield and tracking the football in stride.
“Yeah, I would say the complementary reason that comes to mind first, I would think is, one’s an exceptional deep ball ability to go track it, and the other’s exceptionally throwing it,” Quinn said. “So, I think maybe, I’ve never really thought of it in that way, but there’s probably some complementary football that goes to one another. So, here’s a guy that can really go and get on top of people and catch it over different shoulders on a deep ball, and a quarterback who’s got the touch to do it. So, I think that’s probably the biggest complementary piece of their games that they’re able to support one another on two of the things that they both do really well.”
Those qualities form the backbone of Washington’s passing attack. For a signal caller like Daniels, having a proven veteran such as McLaurin provides not only an elite target but also a security blanket when defensive pressure mounts. For McLaurin, working with a quarterback who can maximize his skill set deep downfield could unlock one of his most productive seasons yet.
Looking Ahead to the Season
The road back to peak chemistry will take time, but the foundation is clear. Daniels and McLaurin have the tools, the trust, and the complementary talents to become one of the most dangerous quarterback-wide receiver duos in the NFC. The Commanders are betting heavily on their connection, not only to win games but to lead the offense into a new era of explosive football.
For fans, the sight of Daniels and McLaurin working after practice and refining their timing is a reason for optimism. Washington has invested in its franchise quarterback, and pairing him again with its most dynamic playmaker and Deebo Samuel, could spark the kind of offense that has been missing in recent years.
As Quinn put it, it comes down to time on task. With each rep, Daniels and McLaurin inch closer to rediscovering their rhythm, and when it fully clicks, the Commanders’ offense will become a threat every defense must respect.