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Three takeaways from Washington Football Team’s Week 2 loss vs. Cardinals

By Jacob Camenker

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 20: Quarterback Dwayne Haskins #7 of the Washington Football Team is tackled by defensive end Jordan Phillips #97, defensive tackle Rashard Lawrence #92 and outside linebacker Devon Kennard #42 of the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of the NFL game at State Farm Stadium on September 20, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Washington Football Team 30-15. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 20: Quarterback Dwayne Haskins #7 of the Washington Football Team is tackled by defensive end Jordan Phillips #97, defensive tackle Rashard Lawrence #92 and outside linebacker Devon Kennard #42 of the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of the NFL game at State Farm Stadium on September 20, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Washington Football Team 30-15. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, ARIZONA – SEPTEMBER 20: Wide receiver Terry McLaurin #17 of the Washington Football Team carries the football after a reception past middle linebacker Jordan Hicks #58 of the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of the NFL game at State Farm Stadium on September 20, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Washington Football Team 30-15. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – SEPTEMBER 20: Wide receiver Terry McLaurin #17 of the Washington Football Team carries the football after a reception past middle linebacker Jordan Hicks #58 of the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of the NFL game at State Farm Stadium on September 20, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Washington Football Team 30-15. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

3. Terry McLaurin is Washington’s best offensive player… by far

Let’s start off with something positive. How good was Terry McLaurin against the Cardinals? The second-year receiver was clearly Washington’s best offensive player and he accounted for 56 percent of the team’s receiving yards on Sunday.

McLaurin was Dwayne Haskins’ No. 1 target all day on Sunday. He saw a team-high 10 targets and caught seven of them for 125 yards and a score, and he was better than the numbers indicated.

On multiple occasions, McLaurin was able to catch a short pass and turn it into a big gain. He weaved through the Cardinals defenders using his solid athleticism, elusiveness, and speed and that made him a yards after the catch threat.

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On his touchdown, McLaurin was able to beat Patrick Peterson on the inside with his excellent route running and that gave Haskins plenty of room to see him. After catching it, McLaurin smoothly accelerated toward the open space, took the proper angle to avoid all of the Arizona defenders on the play, and that’s how he was able to score.

McLaurin simply looked great on Sunday. He wasn’t in an easy matchup and he didn’t get a lot of help from his quarterback early or the rest of his supporting cast. But he still posted a 100-yard game and was the second-best receiver on the field as a whole.

And considering that the only receiver better than him was DeAndre Hopkins, who is arguably the best receiver in the league, that’s a good sign that the future should continue to be bright for McLaurin. He has clearly established himself as Washington’s best offensive player and the guy for the team to build around on offense.

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